Ballhead Waterleaf

More Flower Resources Pictures of Flowers Pacific Waterleaf

Ballhead Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum capitatum), sometimes called dwarf waterleaf, is an interesting plant in the sense that its cluster of purple flowers often bloom close to the ground, beneath the leaves.

It's a fairly adaptable plant that can grow in meadows, plains and near forested areas around the entire Western United States.

Native Americans picked and consumed the roots and leaves. In the wild the roots and leaves serve as food for local wildlife.

The bottom picture shows the plant's pointed and mildly hairy leaves.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels