European Liverwort

European Liverwort
Ten speceis of small perennials belong to this genus, which occurs throughout northern temperate regions. They are delightful plants for the rock garden or containers, with anemone-like flowers in early spring. Hepatica come from the Greek hepar, "liver", and refers to the liver-like shape and color of the leaves, which, according to the Doctrine of Signatures, indicate its use for liver complaints. Hepatica nobilis has a long history of use in traditional European medicine. Culpeper wrote that "it fortifies the liver exceedingly, and makes it inpregnable" (The English Physician Enlarged, 1653). Early settlers in N America valued it for hepatitis and found that native tribes used the closely related H. acutiloba (sharplobe hepatica) in similar ways.

Variable, semi-evergreen perennial with a thick rhizome, and rounded to kidney-shaped, 3-lobed leaves, 3-6cm (1¼-2½in) long, that have silky-hairy, often purple undersides. Blue, blue-purple, pink or white flowers, to 2.5cm (1in) across, appear in spring before or with the new leaves.

Common Name:	European Liverwort
Other Names:	Liverleaf, Kidneywort
Botanical Name:	Hepatica nobilis syn H. triloba, Anemone hepatica
Genus:	Hepatica
Family:	Ranunculaceae
Native Location:	Europe
Cultivation:	Deep, moist, rich, alkaline soil in shade. Thrives in heavy soils. Dislikes disturbance.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe (species only); by division in spring.
Harvest:	Plants are cut from late spring to mid-summer and dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures.
Height:	8-10cm (3-4in)
Width:	15cm (6in)
Variations:	Rubra Plena Has double, deep purple-pink flowers. It is less vigorous than the species, and needs careful cultivation. Height: 8cm (3in) Width: 10-12cm (4-5in)
Hardiness:	Z4-8
Parts Used:	Whole Plant
Properties:	An astringent, diuretic, antibiotic herb that acts as a mild tonic for the liver and the digestive and bronchial systems. It also promotes healing.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for bronchial and digestive complaints, and liver and gall bladder disorders. Externally for minor injuries and ringworm. It is little used today.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp 233-234