Liverleaf (hepatica) Hepatica nobilis
Liverleaf (hepatica) (Hepatica nobilis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Woodlands of Europe; related forms in Asia. It grows 8–15 cm (3–6 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Liverleaf (hepatica) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 cm (3–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Woodlands of Europe; related forms in Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Liverleaf (hepatica) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: fresh leaves
Fresh plant contains protoanemonin (irritant), like other buttercups.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Liverleaf (hepatica)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Liverleaf (hepatica)
- How far apart should I plant Liverleaf (hepatica)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Liverleaf (hepatica) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Liverleaf (hepatica) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Liverleaf (hepatica)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Liverleaf (hepatica) flower?
- From about March for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Liverleaf (hepatica) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Fresh plant contains protoanemonin (irritant), like other buttercups.
- What grows well with Liverleaf (hepatica)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Liverleaf (hepatica). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Norwegian species and red-list information, Artsdatabanken
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Blue stars open on bare stems at snowmelt in calcareous woods; three-lobed leaves persist through winter. Slow to establish.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Hellebore (Lenten rose) Helleborus x hybridus
- Delphinium Delphinium elatum hybrids
- Common columbine Aquilegia vulgaris
- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis
- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
- Christmas rose Helleborus niger