[The Waterleaf Family in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington]

Waterleafs of the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington

The Genus Hydrophyllum

Hydrophyllum capitatum var. thompsonii

Ball-head Waterleaf: Hydrophyllum capitatum var. thompsonii


Ballhead Waterleaf, Wool Breeches, Woolen Breeches: Hydrophyllum capitatum var. capitatum - This species is generally found just outside the area of the Columbia River Gorge in the Simcoe Mts or at Mt. Adams, or along the Deschutes River near Sherar Falls. Leaflets with entire margins or deeply lobed, the lobes directed forward. Inflorescence held below the highest leaves. Flowers in a tight spherical ball. Flowers typically blue to lavender, occasionally white.

Ball-head Waterleaf, Grandma's Pincushion, Thompson's Waterleaf: Hydrophyllum capitatum var. thompsonii - Leaflets with entire margins or deeply lobed, the lobes directed forward. Inflorescence held above the highest leaves. Flowers in a tight spherical ball. Flowers typically blue to lavender, occasionally white.

Fendler's Waterleaf, White-leaved Fendler's Waterleaf: Hydrophyllum fendleri var. albifrons (Synonyms: Hydrophyllum albifrons, Hydrophyllum congestum) - Leaflets with toothed margins. Inflorescence broader, somewhat umbrella-like. Leafblades noticeably longer than wide with 7-15 segments. Pedicels 2-7 mm long. Flowers typically white, lavander or purplish.

Pacific Waterleaf, Slender-stemmed Waterleaf: Hydrophyllum tenuipes (Synonym: Hydrophyllum viridulum) - Leaflets with toothed margins. Inflorescence broader, somewhat umbrella-like. Leaf blades about as wide as long with typically 5 segments (up to 9 segments could be present). Pedicels 5-12 mm long. Flowers in the Columbia River Gorge typically green or greenish-white to rarely creamy or lavender.


Paul Slichter E-mail