This petite, woodland spring ephemeral is a welcome splash of color to the brown landscape in early spring. Blue, white, pink, or purple flowers with centers of pale, glowing anthers beckon many pollinators when other food sources have yet to emerge. Round-lobed hepatica is distinguishable from sharp-lobed hepatica by, of course, its large, rounded leaves. It's often found in the dappled light of woodlands with drier soils.
 
Use in woodlands or in drought-tolerant, rock, native, and shade gardens. 
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 4-12" tall.
 
Prefers full sun or part shade. Tolerant of heat.
 
Prefers rich, well-drained soils. Tolerant of occasional drought and drier soils.
 
Solitary flowers on reddish stalks emerge between late February and March. Each has 5-12 petal-like sepals.
 
Thick, leathery basal leaves may have mottling. Leaves turn red in fall.
 
Wildlife Value:
Attracts bees and small mammals. 
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
Early settlers made an herbal tea from the leaves to treat liver ailments.
 
Resources:
 
North Carolina Extension: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hepatica-americana/
 
Ohio Dept of Natural Resources: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/flowering-plants/sharp-lobed-hepatica
                                                
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