Western Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum occidentale)

Family: Hydrophyllaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Hydrophyllum occidentale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). 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, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. Root - cooked. Used as a staple food by some native North American Indian tribes. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Used as a staple food by some native North American Indian tribes.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets, dense or open woods and moist open places. (Zone 4)