Plants in genus Hepatica: Sharp- or Acute-Lobed Hepatica, Liver-Leaf (H. acutibola, shown); Round-Lobed Hepatica (H. americana). Buttercup (Ranunculeae) Family.

Commentary: The two species of Hepatica are distinguished by their leaves. Sharp-Lobed Hepatica is shown below. Notice the acute corners of the leaves. Round-Lobed Hepatica has the same type of leaves, but the corners are more rounded (Duh:).

I have included this image so prominently because the leaf is the best method of both distinguishing among Hepatica species and distinguishing Hepatica from other woodland plants. Hepatica's leaves are present throughout the year, and Hepatica can often be found protruding from under light snow. The new leaves grow each spring after last-year's leaves wither away.

The flowers are numerous and usually white or lavender. The plant grows in clumps like other Buttercup family species. However, the clumps tend to keep their distance from each other. Each flower has 6 to 10 petals.

Hepatica is now probably extinct from the studied area; it grew on land now occupied by houses near the old lake bed. Numerous authors confirm that the plant prefers hillsides, and the old lakebed's subtle slopes provided an excellent habitat. Swink & Wilhelm (1994) reports that Round-Lobed Hepatica (H. americana) prefers a more acidic soil than H. acutibola. Since I can find neither in the wild, I cannot confirm this. (See "Soil Preferences," below).

Hepatica is especially well-suited for transplantation. The tough, all-weather leaves survive the loss of water well. Be sure to get the whole root ball. Leave some room for the plant to grow and expand.

Hepatica associates with Bloodroot, Mayapple, Cut-Leaved Toothwort, and Adder's Tongue.

Precautions & Uses: According to the old "doctrine of signatures," plants and animals were said to be marked with some natural sign that indicated their usage in the human body. Hepatica supposedly treated liver ailments since the three lobes looked like the three lobes of the liver (?). I have seen no indication that it is still used to treat liver problems, even by traditional doctors.

Soil Preferences: pH: H. acutibola: 5.0-6.5

References: Wampler & Wampler 4, Swink & Wilhelm 397, Peattie 184, Pepoon n789-90, Klimas & Cunnignham n183.

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