Liverleaf
Hepatica nobilis
Also listed as Anemone hepatica, Anemone angulosa
Also known as Common Hepatica, Kidneywort
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A delicate woodland perennial with heart-shaped leaves and small blue, purple, or pink flowers that bloom in early spring. It spreads slowly to form attractive ground cover in shaded gardens.
Why grow it
Hepatica nobilis offers early spring color in woodland settings where many other ground covers remain dormant, flowering several weeks before most spring ephemeral competitors. Its persistent evergreen foliage provides winter interest and ground stabilization in shade, making it useful for naturalistic plantings under established trees. The plant occupies less horizontal space than other spring ephemerals, suiting smaller garden areas or transition zones.
Watch out for
Hepatica establishes slowly and performs inconsistently outside cool, moist woodland conditions with rich organic soil and consistent shade. Disturbance during establishment can set back growth significantly, so site selection and minimal root disruption are important. In areas with hot summers or dry conditions, supplemental moisture during establishment and periodic watering may be necessary to prevent decline.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe and Asia
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate woodland perennial with heart-shaped leaves and small blue, purple, or pink flowers that bloom in early spring. It spreads slowly to form attractive ground cover in shaded gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Liverleaf grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Hepatica nobilis offers early spring color in woodland settings where many other ground covers remain dormant, flowering several weeks before most spring ephemeral competitors. Its persistent evergreen foliage provides winter interest and ground stabilization in shade, making it useful for naturalistic plantings under established trees. The plant occupies less horizontal space than other spring ephemerals, suiting smaller garden areas or transition zones.
Watch out for
Hepatica establishes slowly and performs inconsistently outside cool, moist woodland conditions with rich organic soil and consistent shade. Disturbance during establishment can set back growth significantly, so site selection and minimal root disruption are important. In areas with hot summers or dry conditions, supplemental moisture during establishment and periodic watering may be necessary to prevent decline.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe and Asia
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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