Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Ballhead Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum capitatum) is a native perennial herb that grows in Northern California, primarily in the High Cascade Range, the High Sierra Nevada and Modoc Plateau regions. It is fast growing and moderately long-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 1 foot, with active growth during the spring. Flowers are purple and striking, and bloom in the early spring. Leaves are medium green and deciduous. It tends to grow in moist places, at elevations from 3000-7000 feet.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

1 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

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Color

Purple

Flowering season

Spring

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade, Deep Shade

Soil description

Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.

Site type

Moist places

Plant communities

Sagebrush Scrub, Yellow Pine Forest