[waw-ter-leef, wot-er-] 
| any of several North American plants of the genus Hydrophyllum, having clusters of bluish or white flowers and leaves often bearing marks resembling water stains. |
| wa·ter·leaf (wô'tər-lēf', wŏt'ər-) n. pl. wa·ter·leafs Any of various North American herbs of the genus Hydrophyllum, having pinnately lobed leaves and terminal cymose clusters of white or purplish flowers. |
waterleaf
any of about eight species of herbaceous plants constituting a genus (Hydrophyllum) in the borage family (Boraginaceae) and native to damp woodlands of North America. Light-greenish mottling on the leaves, suggesting watermarks on paper, gives the genus its name. Notable members of the genus are the 75-cm- (2.5-foot-) tall Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum), with five- to seven-lobed leaves; it is also called Shawnee salad and John's cabbage in reference to the edible tender young shoots. The large-leaved waterleaf (H. macrophyllum) is similar to the Virginia waterleaf but is rough and hairy and about 60 cm tall. The broad-leaved waterleaf (H. canadense), also 60 cm tall, has maplelike leaves. Some species are used in wildflower gardens; they are valued for their attractive leaves and clusters of small white to purplish flowers with stamens that extend beyond the petals.
Learn more about waterleaf with a free trial on Britannica.com.
tərˌlif