Ballhead waterleaf (Hydrophyllum capitatum)

Family: Hydrophyllaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Hydrophyllum capitatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Tender young shoots - cooked as a potherb. Root - cooked. Large and fleshy. — Tender young shoots - cooked as a potherb.; Large and fleshy.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich moist soils, most often in the shade, from valleys to around 2,700 metres. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)