Hepatica americana –

Description

Hepatica – There are about 10 species of small, spring forming perennials, in this genus. They occur in woodland in North America, Europe, and temperate Asia.. They have usually liver shaped, 3 to 5 lobed, simple or toothed, dark green, basal leaves,, often purple beneath, sometimes marbled silver or white. The solitary, bowl to star shaped flowers usually open before the leaves have fully developed. They have brightly colored, petal-like sepals with an involucre of 3 leaf like bracts immediately beneath them. Suitable for a shady site in a rock or woodland garden. Grow in humus rich moist but well drained, neutral to alkaline soil in partial shaped, Hepaticas thrive in heavy soils. Divide in spring. Prone to rust, leaf smut, snails and slugs. H. americana – This slow growing perennial found from Minnesota to Nova Scotia, south to Missouri and Florida grows 6″ tall and 12″ wide. It produces heart shaped, 3 lobed, pointed, mid green leaves, 1 1/4-3″ long, purple tinted beneath. In spring it bears cup shaped, pale blue-purple, sometimes white or pink flowers, to 3/4″ across. Zones 3-8