John’s-cabbage (Hydrophyllum virginianum, Sp. Pl.: 146 (1753))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 146 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hydrophyllum

Vegetable: False

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

Description

John’s-cabbage, scientifically known as Hydrophyllum virginianum, is a noteworthy species within the Boraginaceae family. This plant was first described in the authoritative botanical reference “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753 by the renowned taxonomist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as “L.”

John’s-cabbage is predominantly found across central and eastern regions of Canada and the United States, stretching from North Carolina upwards through the eastern parts of the United States. This broad range highlights its adaptability to various climatic conditions typical of these areas.

Belonging to the Boraginaceae family, John’s-cabbage is recognized for its unique botanical features. The plant generally thrives in rich, moist woodlands, and often seen flourishing in partially shaded environments. It is also appreciated for its aesthetic contribution to natural woodland gardens, thanks to its lush, green leaves and delicate clusters of flowers.

The species is an integral part of the ecosystem, providing habitat and nourishment for local fauna. It’s especially vital for various pollinators, which facilitate the plant’s reproductive process by transferring pollen as they move from flower to flower.

John’s-cabbage remains a subject of study for botanists and ecologists aiming to understand its ecological role, adaptive mechanisms, and potential benefits within its native habitat. Its presence is a testament to the rich biodiversity found in the woodland and forest ecosystems of eastern North America.

In conclusion, John’s-cabbage is a plant of significant ecological importance and botanical interest. Its presence in central and eastern Canada and the United States underlines its adaptability and crucial role in supporting biodiversity within woodland environments.

Common Names

Eng: eastern waterleaf, john’s-cabbage, shawnee salad, virginia waterleaf
Swe: grenig indiankål
Fra: hydrophylle de virginie
En: John’s-cabbage, Virginia waterleaf, Eastern waterleaf, Indian Salad, Shawnee-Salad, Shawnee salad
Ar: ثجمة فرجينية
Fr: Hydrophylle de Virginie
Sv: Grenig indiankål

Synonyms

Distribution

• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 11, 2021 by Rita Goodman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Bob MacDonald (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2021 by Emily Brothers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2021 by Emily Brothers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Michel G (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 1, 2020 by didonato char (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Angie Baltz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2021 by Heffner Laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2022 by toasted bao (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Elise Beauregard (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 19, 2020 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 11, 2015 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 23, 2015 by EOL − Jesse Rorabaugh (cc-by)

Taken Jun 22, 2015 by EOL − Sarah Carline (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 22, 2015 by EOL − Sarah Carline (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 4, 2014 by EOL − Marv Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Kyleigh Sadler (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Sean Hen (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928281)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:432277-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hydrophyllum virginianum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth