hepatica acutiloba - liverwort/sharplobe hepatica
This is a stemless perennial herb that grows up to 6 inches tall. The leaves are basal, 1 to 3 inches wide, and 3 lobed with pointed tips. The flowers are about 1 inch wide and petal-less. There are petal-like sepals (5-12 in number) that may be white, pink, lavender, purple, or blue. The flowers are single and are on long, hairy stalks.
Hepatica has traditionally been used to cure liver ailments. Ancient Greeks used it to cure cowardice, freckles, and indigestion, which were believed to result from a faulty liver.
This plant is found in rich woods in much of the eastern U.S. and Canada. It blooms February to April.
Hepatica has traditionally been used to cure liver ailments. Ancient Greeks used it to cure cowardice, freckles, and indigestion, which were believed to result from a faulty liver.
This plant is found in rich woods in much of the eastern U.S. and Canada. It blooms February to April.