Bluntleaf waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 919 (1759))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 919 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hydrophyllum

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Bluntleaf waterleaf, scientifically known as Hydrophyllum canadense, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Its nickname, bluntleaf, is derived from the distinctively shaped, somewhat rounded leaves that characterize this species. This plant is native to regions spanning from Eastern Canada to North Carolina, as well as parts of the Eastern United States.

Hydrophyllum canadense thrives in moist, woodland environments where it often forms part of the understory vegetation. The plant is adapted to the dappled sunlight that filters through the forest canopy, making it well-suited to shaded habitats. Typically emerging in the spring, the bluntleaf waterleaf displays an array of delicate, bell-shaped flowers from late spring to early summer. These blossoms are usually white to pale blue and are particularly favored by various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

The foliage of the bluntleaf waterleaf is robust and lush, with leaves that are broad and coarsely toothed. This greenery not only provides vital ground cover but also contributes to the plant’s overall aesthetic appeal within its native habitat. As the seasons progress, the foliage may change in color, offering a subtle yet beautiful variance in the woodland palette.

Dating back to its first description in 1759, as referenced in Syst. Nat. ed. 10, Hydrophyllum canadense has enjoyed a storied place in plant taxonomy. The eminent botanist Linnaeus (abbreviated as ‘L.’) is credited with its formal scientific nomenclature. Studying this plant offers valuable insights into the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of its native regions.

Bluntleaf waterleaf, with its combination of attractive foliage and ecological importance, is a significant species within the boraginaceous family. Whether standing alone or as part of the rich tapestry of woodland flora, Hydrophyllum canadense serves both as a visual delight and as a crucial component of its environment.

Common Names

Eng: blunt-leaf waterleaf, bluntleaf waterleaf, broad-leaf waterleaf, broadleaf waterleaf, canada waterleaf
Swe: indiankål
Fra: hydrophylle du canada
En: Bluntleaf waterleaf, Blunt-Leaf Waterleaf, Broad-leaf Waterleaf, Canada waterleaf, Broadleaf waterleaf
Ar: ثجمة كندا
Fr: Hydrophylle du Canada
Sv: Indiankål

Synonyms

• Hydrophyllum acerifolium (Salisb.)
• Hydrophyllum lobatum (Stokes)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2021 by jude s (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken May 8, 2022 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 21, 2013 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by EOL − Jonathan Carpenter (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 18, 2015 by EOL − Ann Walter-Fromson (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928284)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:432257-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hydrophyllum canadense L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth