Hepatica americana:  Hepatica (Ranunculaceae or Buttercup Family)
©Photograph by Marilyn Rogers

DESCRIPTION:  Hepatica is among our earliest native flowers to emerge in Spring.  The name Hepatica is derived from the Greek "hepar", meaning liver, reflecting the ancient belief that members of this genus could cure liver disease.  Contemporary common names include Liver leaf or Liverwort referring to the shape of the 3 lobed leaf.   Flower scapes of Hepatica americana may reach a height of 3 to 6 inches.  Each scape bears a single flower approximately 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter.  The 6 to 12 petal like sepals are usually pale blue but may be pink or white.  Last year's thick, fleshy, rusty green leaves are still present at the base of spring flowering stalks.  After the blooms fade, new leaves sporting a silvery fuzz appear nestled among, or slightly above, the forest floor litter.

CULTIVATION:  Hepatica americana prefers dry, rocky, oak strewn hillsides with humus rich, acid soil (ideally pH 4.5 - 6).  Good drainage, such as found on a gentle slope, is advantageous.  Slugs may present a problem when drainage is poor.  H. acutiloba, the sharp lobed hepatica, is similar to H. americana but prefers a more neutral pH of  6 - 7.  Hybrid forms of these species occur naturally.

PROPAGATION:  Hepatica may be propagated by division in spring or from seed. Since the small seeds are difficult to
collect, it is easier to allow a few mother plants to self sow onto loose, humus rich soil.  Providing protection from weeds will
encourage the offspring to begin blooming their third year. In nature, Hepatica seed is dispersed by ants.

SOURCES:   Garden in the Woods Cultivation Guide (1986) and Seed Catalogue (1993), John Kieran's "An Introduction to
Wild Flowers" (1952) and information from Thelma Hewitt (Tkhewitt@AOL.com).