In Oregon there are two types of ballhead waterleaf: the Thompson’s and the just Ballhead Waterleaf. Thompson’s varies only slightly from the regular ballhead waterleaf; it has very similar leaves and flowers, but Thompson’s flowers usually grow above the level of the leaves. Whereas the ballhead waterleaf flowers usually are closer to the ground. Both can be white or tend toward blue or even purple. The young flower heads have great geometric patterns that distinguish this wildflower also.