Hydrophyllum atranthum E.J. Alexander. Appalachian Waterleaf. Phen: May-Jun; Jul-Aug. Hab: Rich cove forests and other moist rocky forests, up to 5500 feet in elevation. Dist: N. WV south through w. and sw. VA and e. KY to w. NC and e. TN.

Origin/Endemic status: Endemic

Taxonomy Comments: Since its naming as a species (Alexander 1941) and subsequent reduction to a variety (Constance 1942) there has been little consensus about this taxon, some regarding it as merely a color form. Karlsson, Weakley, & Poindexter (2017) conducted a detailed assessment and supported variety status (at minimum).

Synonymy: = Alexander (1941); = Hydrophyllum virginianum L. var. atranthum (Alexander) Constance – C, F, G, K3, K4, WV, Constance (1942), Karlsson, Weakley, & Poindexter (2017) in Weakley et al (2017); < Hydrophyllum virginianum L. – Il, K1, RAB, Tn, Va, W, Beckmann (1979); < Hydrophyllum virginicum – S, orthographic error

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FAC (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Great Plains: FAC (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Midwest: FAC (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Northcentral & Northeast: FAC (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)

Heliophily: 2