Cat's breeches, Ball-head waterleaf
Hydrophyllum capitatum
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
A low growing herb. It grows 10-40 cm high. The stems can occur singly or in a cluster. The rhizome or underground stem has a number of thick fibrous roots. There are only a few leaves. They have long leaf stalks and the leaves are divided into 7-11 leaflets. The flowers are small. They can be purple or blue. They are clustered into round heads. These are 3 cm across.
Also put in the family Hydrophyllaceae.
Where it is found
It grows in woodland and on moist open slopes. In Canada it can grow from the lowlands into the mountains.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The long fleshy roots are cooked and eaten. They can be boiled or steamed.
Edible parts
Leaves, root