Individuals of this species are 10–40 centimeters (4–15+1⁄2 in) tall, hairy, erect herbs with solitary or few stems that are attached to fibrous roots running 25 cm (10 in) deep.

[3] However, a dwarf form of this plant occurs in northern Oregon and southern Washington where the flower heads are on long stalks above the leaves (Hydrophyllum capitatum var.

Hydrophyllum capitatum naturally occurs in Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, as well as the western region of the United States (California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming).

[5] Hydrophyllum capitatum grows in areas that are rather barren and dry (though seasonally moist) to shady environments in fine or medium textured soil.

[5][6] Indigenous peoples and settlers cooked the leaves and the roots of plants belonging to the genus Hydrophyllum, which includes the ballhead waterleaf, for greens.