Pacific waterleaf

Pacific waterleaf is a perennial herb native to the moist forests and shaded slopes of the Pacific Northwest. It produces a carpet of delicate, branching stems with soft, low-growing green leaves and bears clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that range from pale lavender to white in late spring to early summer. Without supplemental water, it will go dormant for the hot part of the summer, disappearing into the forest floor without a trace. This species thrives in rich, well-drained soils and contributes to the understory diversity of forest ecosystems. Its flowers provide nectar for native bees and other pollinators, and its foliage offers cover for small wildlife.