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Sherman, Doug
Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa (Pursh) Steyermark
Roundlobe hepatica, Round-lobed hepatica, Liverleaf
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Synonyms: Hepatica americana
USDA Symbol: henoo
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Pink, white or purple blossoms arise in early spring on fuzzy, 4-6 in. stems. The leaves, which grow from ground level on hairy stems after the flower has blossomed, are 3-lobed, rounded and evergreen until the following spring.
This is an early spring wildflower, usually with lavender flowers and 3-lobed leaves that persist throughout the winter. The Sharp-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica nobilis var. acuta), has more pointed leaf lobes and bracts. The genus name refers to the 3-lobed leaf that supposedly bears a resemblance to the liver. Because of this, early herbalists assumed the plant to be effective in treating liver ailments.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Size Notes: 3 to 4 inches high
Leaf: Variegated dark and light green. Deep red in fall and winter.
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower: Flowers 1/2 to 1 inch across
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Bloom Notes: Color ranges from white to pink to pale blue to lavender. An early spring bloomer.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: MB , NB , NS , PE
Native Distribution: N.S. to Man., s. to n. FL, AL, & AR. Eastern North America, Zones 5 to 8.
Native Habitat: Rich, mesic to dry, deciduous, pine & sometimes spruce woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low , MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Drought Tolerance: High
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Neutral to acidic soils, but prefers acidic. Prefers high humus.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Attractive foliage and delicate blooms for small garden spaces.Use Wildlife: Winter browse
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: No
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root Division , SeedsDescription: Seeds should be planted outside immediately after collection. In the Southeast, sow in fall. First-year seedlings will only have 2 leaves, but will expand after that. Seeds are hard to collect, so an alternate propagation method is fall division. Clumps, however, are slow to increase. When dividing a clump, it is best to leave 2-3 buds in each division.
Seed Collection: Approximate collection date in northern U.S.: Mid to late May.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Bibliography
Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
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Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-10-03Research By: TWC Staff
