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Sherman, Doug
Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa
Hepatica nobilis Schreb. var. obtusa (Pursh) Steyerm.
Roundlobe Hepatica, Round-lobed Hepatica, Liverleaf
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Synonym(s): Anemone americana, Anemone hepatica, Hepatica americana, Hepatica hepatica, Hepatica triloba var. americana
USDA Symbol: henoo
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Pink, white or purplish 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
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 6 inches tall.
Leaf: Variegated dark and light green. Deep red in fall and winter.
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower: Flowers 1/2 to 1 inch across.
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
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 Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiBibref 1294 - The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 57 - Atlas of Florida Plants (2020) Institute for Systematic BotanyWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional 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: 2023-05-04Research By: TWC Staff