How much sun does Western waterleaf need?

Western waterleaf grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Western waterleaf bloom?

Western waterleaf blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Western waterleaf native?

Western waterleaf (Hydrophyllum occidentale) is native to AZ, CA, ID, NV and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Western waterleaf

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hydrophyllum occidentale

Last reviewed: September 2026

Western waterleaf (Hydrophyllum occidentale) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, ID, NV and 2 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Western waterleaf (Hydrophyllum occidentale) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, ID, NV and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains

A shade-loving woodland perennial with large, mottled, deeply lobed leaves and rounded clusters of small lavender bell-shaped flowers, forming loose colonies in moist forest understories.

Growing Western waterleaf

Grow Western waterleaf in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

An early to mid-spring nectar source for native bees in woodland habitats.

Common questions

How much sun does Western waterleaf need?: Western waterleaf grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Western waterleaf bloom?: Western waterleaf blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Western waterleaf native?: Western waterleaf (Hydrophyllum occidentale) is native to AZ, CA, ID, NV and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Western waterleaf attract?: Western waterleaf draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Western waterleaf? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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