Hepatica is attractive and easy to identify because of its three-lobed leaves.. The typical flower color is blue but the white-flowered form is common also.
Sun Exposure | Woodland |
Soil Moisture | Wet Mesic, Mesic |
Bloom Time |
Spring April, May |
Bloom Color | Blue |
Max Height | 6 inches |
Wetland Code | UPL |
Germ Code | E, L |
Seeds Per Packet | N/A |
Seeds Per Ounce | N/A |
A tea made from the leaves is laxative. It is used in the treatment of fevers, liver ailments and poor digestion. At one time it became a cult medicine as a liver tonic and 200,000 kilos of dried Hepatica leaves were used in 1883 alone. Externally, the tea is applied as a wash to swollen breasts.
Edible Uses: Unknown
Medicinal Uses: The plant is harvested in late spring or early summer and is dried for later use.
Herbal Uses: Unknown