Liverleaf

Liverleaf
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:	Liverleaf
Other Names:	European Liverwort, 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