Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
Hepatica nobilis var. acuta
Plant Common Name
Sharp-lobed Hepatica
General Description
A North American variant of common hepatica, sharplobe hepatica has more pointed foliage and naturally exists across eastern North America where it thrives in upland forests with more alkaline, or calcareous soils.
This diminutive perennial is one of the first flowers to emerge in early spring. Its small, starry, saucer-shaped blooms are composed of five to seven petal-like sepals, and may appear in shades of white, pink, blue, or violet-blue. They rise on short, fuzzy stems above low, semi-evergreen mounds of three-lobed, pointed, kidney-shaped leaves with purple undersides. The subtle yet distinctive foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season and tends to adopt more purplish hues in cold weather.
Sharplobe hepatica prefers a partial shade setting and thrives in rich, moist, organic soils. Natural populations tend to grow in rocky, upland woods where soils are more calcareous. Propagate this slow-growing plant by dividing in spring, or allow it to self sow. It looks beautiful planted in small drifts in naturalized woodlands or shaded rock gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
4"-6" / 10.2cm - 15.2cm
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Width
4"-6" / 10.2cm - 15.2cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Winter
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Native To
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Winter
