Hydrophyllum capitatum var. capitatum
Hydrophyllaceae
Ballhead Waterleaf
Erect stem with spreading leaves. Stem very short. Leaves 2–5 in. long, arising from stem with petioles 1–6 in. tall, divided pinnately, with 5–7 rounded leaflets. Flowers near ground under leaves; petals 5, white to purple; calyx bell-shaped, hairy; stamens and style exserted beyond petals. Grows in moist slopes, woodlands, sagebrush-steppe, at mid to high elevations. Var. alpinum is smaller, flowers also just above ground, with stems mostly underground and stalks becoming recurved; found in Great Basin, central Oregon.
- Rarity: Locally Common
- Flowering Time: Early Spring
- Flower Form: 5 United Petals, Ovary Inferior
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 4–18 inches
- Habitat: East-side Forest, Shrub-Steppe
- Found In: N Cascades NP, Siskiyous, Steens, Wallowas
- Native: Yes
- Also Known As: Wool Breeches
