Mountain Hepatica

Hepatica americana (he-PAT-ih-kuh a-mer-ih-KAY-nah ah-KYOO-tah)

Family: Ranunculaceae Native Groundcover (<1 ft)

Sharp-lobed liverleaf is a variety of the round-lobed liverleaf ( Hepatica americana). The main difference between these two plants is the shape of the leaf lobe tips and bracts. Sharp-lobe liverleaf is a rhizomatous, spring-blooming, woodland, herbaceous perennial wildflower native to Eastern Canada and the North Central and Eastern United States. This plant is often found in deciduous woodlands or on bluff slopes. It grows erect, 4 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 8 inches wide, and welcomes spring with a burst of delicate white, pink, or purple flowers that attract small bees. The flowers have 5 to 12 petal-like sepals and three green bracts beneath with pointed tips. It has tufts of basal leaves that are leathery, three-lobed, with acutely pointed tips. New mottled green leaves emerge after the plant begins to bloom. During the fall and winter, the leaves turn reddish-brown; surviving through the winter months, they will wither and die when the flowers emerge the next spring. This plant is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) Prefers partial shade to dappled shade and moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a slightly alkaline pH. It is winter hardy in zones 3 to 7. Carpenter bees frequent the flowers to collect pollen, and chipmunks enjoy the dry fruit. Propagated by seeds and division. In North Carolina, the sharp-lobed liverleaf is found throughout the mountains, but rarely in the western Piedmont. Flowers appear in March and April, and the fruits soon follow. It is one of the first native wildflowers to bloom. Consider planting in a shaded cottage, rock, and woodland garden. Most appealing when planted in mass. Quick ID Hints: Three-lobed, hairy leaves with pointed tips Hairy flower stalks Solitary flower with 5 to 12 petal-like sepals and 3 green bracts with pointed tips Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No known serious insect pests or diseases. Monitor for slugs and snails. Does not like its roots disturbed. More information on Hepatica americana .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.