As winter turns to spring, many of us scour our gardens for signs of life, becoming giddy at even the smallest bud or tiniest leaf. But when you add Sharp-lobed Hepatica to your garden, the long wait for the first native flower becomes just a bit shorter. Sharp-lobed Hepatica is one of the earliest woodland wildflowers to bloom in spring, its lovely violet-white flowers emerging gracefully on delicate stems. These small but might flowers are an early food source for spring pollinators. The distinctive lobed leaves follow the flowers in spring, turning a glossy crimson in autumn and often persisting through the winter.
Conditions: Part shade to full shade; average soil
Size: <6" tall
Zone: 3 - 8
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract small bees and flies
Photos: Ethan Kauffman, Laura Cruz