Pacific Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes)

This herbaceous perennial is endemic to the wooded and coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest. It primarily grows west of the cascades and extends as far south as Mendocino county in California. This plant spreads rapidly via rhizome and establishes colonies that dominate the moist understories of conifer forests, particularly Douglas fir. It grows very well by stream banks and sloped wooded areas with lots of shade and dappled light. Its leaves are long and wide about 15 cm, slightly hairy, and pinnipalmately pointed in five leaflets. It forms small clusters of greenish white, lavender flowers that have five long stamens that reach far beyond the length of the petals. Traditionally, the leaves and roots were used as a food source by many northwest tribes and it reportedly tastes similar to nettle. Since it spreads so fast it could be harvested frequently without disturbing the integrity of the plant. For a long time, I glanced over this plant because it is so common but overtime I have really come to appreciate its value. Seeing it scattered through the Douglas fir understory after some rain is truly a beautiful thing to see.