A tiny early-spring wildflower with delicate pink, blue, or white flowers above three-lobed leaves that overwinter beneath snow. Sometimes called "liverleaf" for the leaf shape.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Hepatica americana, the round-lobed hepatica, is a herbaceous flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It is native to the eastern United States and Canada.
Source: Wikipedia — Hepatica americana Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Small wildflower with round 3-lobed leaves; pink, blue, or white flowers in earliest spring.
Similar species. Sharp-lobed Hepatica (pointed leaves).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Among the earliest spring wildflowers. Distinct round liver-shaped leaves overwinter green.
§ Range
Eastern North America
§ Habitat
Rich deciduous forests, especially on slopes
§ Threats
Forest loss, deer browsing, illegal collection.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the round-lobed hepatica is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant from nursery sources. Don't dig from wild. Support mature forest protection.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Hepatica americana
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa
- iNaturalist · taxon 75899
- IUCN Red List — search for Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa
§ Sources cited
- USDA Plants Database
- Native Plant Trust
