Sharp-Lobed Hepatica

An early spring wildflower with purple flowers and 3-lobed leaves.

The word "hepatica" is derived from the Latin word for "liver", which refers to the supposed resemblance of the leaves to the liver. This resemblance led early herbalists to assume that these plants would be effective in treating liver ailments.

comments (7)

Patomarazul

Lion

So beautiful! Posted 7 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks :) Posted 7 years ago

Jivko Nakev

Lion

@Christine, I think this is not Anemone hepatica. If it is the Sharp-lobed hepatica, the scientific name is Hepatica nobilis acuta

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/hepatica.htm Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks so much, Jivko. So, you think it is Hepatica nobilis acuta?
  
  I'm not good at identifying plants...I spotted this one on a botany trail where plants are usually labeled, but they intermingle and I could have read the wrong sign, etc. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Jivko Nakev
    
    Lion
    
    Hi Christine, there is one confusing thing:
    The accepted scientific name of the American hepatica anemone is Hepatica nobilis Mill., with a couple of subspecies, while Hepatica nobilis Schreb. is a synonym of Anemone hepatica - the Common hepatica, which is European species. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Oh, I see. That is confusing. Do you think the ID is correct now, then?
      
      Thanks again for your help! It is much appreciated :) Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
    2. 1. Jivko Nakev
        
        Lion
        
        I think, yes. I have changed the name of the other photos as well. Posted 6 years ago

The Liverleaf

''Hepatica nobilis'' or ''Anemone americana'' is a herbaceous perennial in the buttercup family. It is native to the eastern United States and to central and eastern Canada.

Info 29 0

Similar species: Ranunculales

Species identified by Christine Young