Hepatica

Blooming now, in a woods near you (at least, if you live near me*) -- Hepatica!

Hepatica are really the earliest woodland wildflower we have.   In my garden, Snowdrops and Crocus might be in bloom before them, and Coltsfoot is probably tied with them for early bloom along sunny roadsides, but if you are looking for delicate beauty in the woods, Hepatica are your plant.

 I love searching out Hepaticas not only because I'm longing for wildflowers after a long, cold winter, but because there is such variety of color in their flowers.  White, pink, and blue....

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I wrote about Hepaticas in my second-ever blog post last April and told about why they are called what they are.  (You can click on this link if you want to read it.)  Today, I've been thinking it's too bad they don't have a prettier-sounding name.  Although, since I've known them for years the connotation I personally have with the name "Hepatica" IS of something pretty.  Still, you wouldn't want to name your child that, I don't think.  Not like you could name a girl Violet or Fern.  

Anyway.... here are some more photos.

Taken on April 14th

Two colors side by side

This one was growing between two rocks.

On a nice, warm sunny day the flowers open up, on cooler, cloudy days they stay more like the ones in the following photos.

If you are going to go out looking for Hepatica, their favorite spot is in a damp but well-drained forest (think moist hillside).  You won't find them in every woods, but when you do, I think their beauty will be a great reward for your search!

*If you live in more southern climes, the Hepatica have probably already bloomed, but here in north-east PA, they are blooming now!