Hepatica acutiloba DC.

Sharp Lobed Liverleaf; Sharp Lobed Hepatica

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Round Lobed Liverleaf is a native perennial herbaceous wildflower in the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It can be found in most of Alabama except for the extreme southern counties. Round Lobed Liverleaf is one of the first of the woodland wildflowers to bloom. It can be found in rich hardwood forests, particularly those underlain by limestone. The plants often grow on steep slopes under American beech trees. Round Lobed Liverleaf is a perennial from an ascending to horizontal rhizome. Leaves are basal, petiolate, orbicular in outline, three lobed, with entire margins. The leaves are mottled with green, silver green, and purple above and are purple and pubescent below. Flowers are solitary on a long, shaggy pubescent stalk. Three bracts closely subtend the flower. Each flower has 5-12 sepals that are white, pink, or blue in color. The fruit is an achene. Round Lobed Liverleaf is one of two species of Liverleaf found in Alabama. Round Lobed Liverleaf has been treated both as a species and as a variety. It was also once placed in the genus Anemone, but molecular and morphological studies have recently been trending that it belongs in the genus Hepatica. The common name comes from the doctrine of signatures, a philosophy that believed that plants were placed here for the use of man. Clues, such as the plants shape or color, indicated the use of the plant. Liverleaf leaves resemble a human liver in outline, and the purple-red color of the underside of the leaf further adds to this similarity. Thus, the plant was once thought to be an effective treatment for liver disorders. Round Lobed Liverleaf is occasionally available from wildflower nurseries. It prefers a well-draining, neutral to basic soil. It is an ideal plant for rock gardens.--A. Diamond

**

Native

**