Ballhead Waterleaf
We have hiked into subalpine meadows in the southern part of our region at the right time on a few occasions and have found ballhead waterleaf in bloom.
Swakane Canyon in May
- Hydrophyllum capitatum is a perennial in the waterleaf family.
- The roots are deep and fibrous and one or a few short stems which rise vertically or at an outward angle.
- Large, bladed, pinnately divided hairy leaves are mostly basal.
- The inflorescence is ball-shaped with purple-blue-white bell-shaped flowers.
- Five stamens per flower extend well out beyond the corolla.
- As the flowerheads develop, they sometimes droop below the upper leaves.
- All images taken by the author. Click for a caption.
- Fruits are produced in summer in capsules with 2-3 seeds.
- The leaves and roots were cooked by First Nations people as food.
- We have mostly spotted the flowers in moist semi-open areas (but not with south exposure) in mid elevation to subalpine glades and clearings or in sheltered rocky areas.
- Ballhead waterleaf can be spotted in western Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and as far south as Utah.
“This herb is easily recognized due to its long, pinnately-lobed leaves (pinnate means the leaf looks like several leaves coming off a central rib) and single globose lavender flower, almost like a little thistle head sitting low in the center of the arching stems. The roots branch into a cluster of small fingers and are the preferred part to eat—crunchy and a bit earthy. The sweet carrot-tasting leaves can be eaten raw or cooked but are best when young. If collecting the flower, wait until it is fully opened to avoid unsavory furriness. It is neutral in flavor and texture, so use as a garnish or entertainment while hiking.
According to ethnobotanist Nancy Turner, a number of tribes in the region collected the roots. Nowadays, tubers, corms, and rhizomes are referenced in books of foraging, but few bother to harvest them. Leaves, flowers, and berries are pluckable. Roots must be dug out, often in rocky soil requiring a stick or, ideally, shovel. In addition, it’s hard for us nature lovers to kill the whole plant for one morsel. The charming verdant waterleaf most definitely fits this category and could be decimated if singled out by the beast of human consumption. However, by sampling occasionally, one can get acquainted with a plant and not dishonor the species.” Kelly Chad, Outdoors Out There
A similar waterleaf can also be found in the subalpine areas south of Kamloops. Fendler’s waterleaf will be featured in another post:
