Family: Boraginaceae
Author: Douglas ex Benth.
Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. London 17: 273 (1835)
Year: 1835
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hydrophyllum
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to WC. U.S.A.
Description
Woollen-breeches (Hydrophyllum capitatum)
Woollen-breeches, known scientifically as Hydrophyllum capitatum, is a captivating plant native to western Canada and the western regions of the United States. This species, first described by Douglas and later elaborated by Bentham in 1835 in the Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, is a remarkable member of the Boraginaceae family.
Characterized by its unique and woolly appearance, Woollen-breeches exhibits a distinctive charm with its dense clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms, often appearing in shades ranging from white to light purple, are tightly grouped together in a manner reminiscent of clusters of wool—an attribute that likely inspired its common name.
The leaves of Hydrophyllum capitatum are also ornamental, typically covered in soft hairs, which add to the plant’s overall woolly texture. These foliage clumps form a lush, green carpet that can gently creep across the forest floor, creating a picturesque ground cover.
Thriving primarily in moist, shaded forest environments, Woollen-breeches adapts well to the damp conditions found in its native regions. This plant not only adds aesthetic value to its surroundings but also plays an essential role in the local ecosystem, supporting various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which frequent its blooms for nectar.
In summary, Woollen-breeches (Hydrophyllum capitatum) stands out as a delicate yet significant component of the natural flora in western Canada and the western United States. Through its unique appearance and ecological contributions, it maintains a vital presence in the regions it inhabits.
Common Names
Eng: ballhead waterleaf, woollen-breeches, cat’s-breeches, dwarf waterleaf
Fra: hydrophylle capité
En: Woollen-breeches, Ballhead waterleaf, Cat’s-breeches, Dwarf waterleaf
Fr: Hydrophylle capité
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 25, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 25, 2019 by Jesse Farthing (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 24, 2022 by Adam Van Straten (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2021 by greg anson (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 12, 2013 by EOL − scottmo (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 3, 2015 by EOL − Linda Morris (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 4, 2013 by EOL − scottmo (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 8, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 4, 2013 by EOL − scottmo (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 13, 2016 by EOL − pam_reschke (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 6, 2015 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 4, 2013 by EOL − scottmo (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Jan 27, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 27, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928278)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:432258-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hydrophyllum capitatum Douglas ex Benth.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.8
Ph minimum: 6.4
