Hydrophyllum appendiculatum aka Great Waterleaf

Hydrophyllum appendiculatum is a small plant in the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its native range runs from southeastern Canada into the United States. There it occurs in central and east-central regions. It grows in temperate climates and rich woods. Common names include waterleaf and woollen breeches. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Plants For A Future lists it as Decemium appendiculatum. That source gives Hydrophyllum appendiculatum as a synonym.

The plant reaches about 1.3 feet (0.4 metres) tall. Kew lists its life cycle as biennial. Plants For A Future describes it as biennial or perennial. These accounts allow for some variation in its life span. The supplied sources give no mature width. They also provide no details of its leaves or stems. Plants For A Future records flowers from June to July. Each flower has both male and female organs. The evidence does not describe the flowers' colour or shape. It gives no details of the fruit.

In gardens, this waterleaf needs a damp site with some shelter. It prefers light shade, like that found in open woodland. Moist or wet soil suits it. The listed soil choices include sand, loam, and clay. It also accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Suggested settings include woodland gardens, shaded edges, and bog gardens. These uses reflect its need for shade and soil moisture. The sources give no hardiness zone or minimum winter temperature.

Seed offers a way to raise new plants. Sow it in a cold frame from April through June. At 18°C, germination takes about two to four weeks. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outside in autumn. Another option is to sow directly outside in late spring. Thin these seedlings to about 0.5 feet (0.15 metres) apart.

Plants For A Future lists leaves and shoots as edible parts. It states that young shoots can be eaten raw. Its food-use rating is low, at one out of five. It records no known hazards, but this does not establish complete safety. The same source lists no known medicinal or other uses. It does not flag the plant as weedy. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases.