American Liverleaf, Alumroot, Round Lobed Hepatica

Hepatica americana

Physical Characteristics

Hepatica americana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Minnesota, south to Florida, Georgia and Missouri

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Hepatic Laxative A tea made from the leaves is laxative[222]. It is used in the treatment of fevers, liver ailments and poor indigestion[222]. At one time it became a cult medicine as a liver tonic and 200,000 kilos of dried Hepatica leaves were used in 1883 alone[222]. Externally, the tea is applied as a wash to swollen breasts[222].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, most plants in this family are poisonous. This toxicity is usually of a low order and the toxic principle is destroyed by heat or by drying[4, 10, 19, 65].