Hydrophyllum virginianum

Virginia Waterleaf, Eastern waterleaf

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-nd

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Description

Hydrophyllum virginianum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. A bland flavour. The mild-tasting and tender young leaves make a pleasant addition to the salad bowl, whilst older leaves make a good spinach. Only use when young, they become bitter with age.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent DysenteryA tea made from the roots is astringent, it is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery etc. A decoction, or the chewed root, has been used as a wash for cracked lips and sore mouths.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Quebec and New England to Virginia, west to Tennessee and Kansas.

Where It Grows

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada, Québec (south), Ontario (south), Manitoba (southeast), United States, Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas (east), Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska (east), North Dakota (e. & s.-c.), Oklahoma (east), South Dakota (east), Wisconsin, Arkansas (north), Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee (east), Virginia, District of Columbia,

Cultivation

Requires a moist humus-rich soil in semi-shade. Slugs are particularly fond of this plant and will soon destroy it if given a chance.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in early spring. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.