Hydrophyllum atranthum E.J. Alexander. Common name: Appalachian Waterleaf. Phenology: May-Jun; Jul-Aug. Habitat: Rich cove forests and other moist rocky forests, up to 5500 feet in elevation. Distribution: 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, K4, WV, Constance (1942), Karlsson, Weakley, & Poindexter (2017) in Weakley et al (2017); < Hydrophyllum virginianum L. — Il, RAB, Tn, Va, W, Beckmann (1979); < Hydrophyllum virginicum L. — S, orthographic error. Basionym: Hydrophyllum atranthum Alexander 1941

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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