Hydrophyllum capitatum

Ballhead Waterleaf

Ballhead Waterleaf
aka Wool Breeches. The stunning floral balls, which are blue-purple to lavender (occasionally white), have many protrding stamens making them appear like pin-cushions. Large deeply lobed leaves can be to 6″ (15 cm). Found in moist open slopes and woodlands in the forest and subalpine zones. Not included in Bieks’ Flora of Mount Rainier National Park. Found mostly east of the Cascade summit, although this specimen was slightly west and about 3.5 miles northeast of the park boundary.

Family:

Hydrophyllaceae - WATERLEAF FAMILY

Genus:

Hydrophyllum for Latin hydro, 'water', and phyllos, 'leaf'

Species:

capitatum refers to way flowers form in a head-like cluster
Photo location: From one location on the Noble Knob trail within 1.5 mi. from the trailhead at Corral Pass, approx. 5,800′ elev.