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garden
Hepatica
Hepatica nobilis
MedicinalToxic — Use Caution
Overview
A charming native woodland wildflower that pushes up pastel blue, pink, or white flowers through leaf litter before its own new leaves emerge in spring. Hepatica's lobed leaves were thought to resemble the liver in the Doctrine of Signatures, leading to its name and historical medicinal use. It is a slow-growing but long-lived treasure for shaded rock gardens and woodland plantings.
Growing Conditions
LightShade
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones5 — 9
Height0.1m
Spread0.1m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Bloom Colorwhite, blue, purple
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, humusy woodland soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Plant in fall; shallow roots need leaf-litter mulch; one of the earliest spring flowers |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Apr — May | Blue, pink, or white blooms emerge before new leaves; evergreen foliage through winter |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Fall planting; moist, humus-rich soil in dappled shade |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Mar — Apr | Among the first spring wildflowers; bloom can start while snow lingers |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Fall plant under deciduous canopy; limestone-derived soil ideal for H. nobilis |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Feb — Apr | Late winter/early spring bloom; attracts early-emerging bees |
Uses
Medicinal
- Historical Doctrine of Signatures use for liver ailments (not recommended without professional guidance)
- Some traditional use as a mild astringent
Other Uses
- Treasured native woodland garden plant
- Slow-spreading ground cover under deciduous trees
Safety Notes
The plant is poisonous in large doses[13, 19, 21]. The toxic principle is dissipated by heat or drying[65].
