Hydrophyllum virginianum L.

Stems 3–8 dm, the upper part, pedicels, and sep with appressed or ascending hairs rarely to 0.5 mm; cauline lvs broadly ovate or broadly triangular in outline, 1–2 dm and usually somewhat wider, pinnately divided almost to the midvein, the segments usually 5(7–9), the terminal one and the basal pair often 2–3-lobed, all with sharply acute or acuminate apex and similar, strongly ascending teeth; infls dense at anthesis; sep sparsely hirsute-ciliate; cor 7–10 mm; stamens and style long-exsert; 2n=18. Moist or wet woods, or open wet places; Que. to N.D., s. to N.C., Ala., and ne. Okla. May, June. The widespread var. virginianum has white to lavender or pale purple fls. Var. atranthum (Alexander) Constance, of the s. Appalachians from Va. and W.Va. to N.C., has deep violet fls and often has 7–9 lfls.

It is a temperate plant. It grows in rich woods and damp clearings. It suits hardiness zones 4-7.

The young leaves, picked before the flower appears can be boiled for 5-10 minutes in 1 or 2 changes of water then served with vinegar. The roots can be used to make a tea drink.

Can be grown by seedlings.