Hepatica, Sharplobe hepatica, Roundlobe hepatica
Hepatica nobilis

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Hepatica nobilis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Damp underground in shady deciduous, usually beech, woodlands, scrub and grassland, especially on limestone.

Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The leaves and flowers are astringent, demulcent, diuretic, rubefacient, tonic and vulnerary. It is a mild remedy that is little used in modern herbalism, but it is sometimes employed in treating disorders of the liver and gall bladder, indigestion etc. Externally, it is applied to skin diseases, slow healing cuts etc. The plant should be harvested in March and April, it can also be dried for later use. Use with caution, see notes above on toxicity.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Rubefacient: A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the skin.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a deep light alkaline soil with leafmould. Another report says that it grows best in a deep loam or clay soil. Grows well on limey woodland soils in half shade, though it also succeeds in deep shade and in full sun. A very ornamental plant. It grows well in the rock garden and in the woodland. Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in a moist soil in a shady position. The stored seed requires stratification for about 3 weeks at 0 - 5°c. Germination takes 1 - 12 months at 10°c. It is probably worthwhile sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a shady position in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division just as the leafless plant comes into flower in late winter. Replant immediately into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The plant is poisonous in large doses. The toxic principle is dissipated by heat or drying.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

H. triloba. Anemone hepatica. L.