H E P A T I C A triloba. 

 Common Blue Hepatica. 



Class and Order. — Polyandria Polygyxia. 

 Syn. Hepatica triloba. Pursh, N. A. F., vol. ii., p. 391. 



Root fibrous — leaves radical, three-lobed, on long petioles — stem simple, 

 erect, pubescent — one-flowered calyx of three leaves — corolla blue — 

 six petals, oval-shaped — stamens numerous, fixed to the receptacle — 

 styles many — stigmas obtuse. 



The blue variety of the Hepatica triloba, which blooms about 

 March, is one of our most beautiful Spring- flowers, and is more readily 

 cultivated than any of the other kinds. According to Pursh, " It is a 

 native of Canada, and is found in woods, and on the sides of fertile 

 and rocky hills." The double variety of this plant is less connnou in 

 our gardens, and the single white variety is rare. These plants like 

 a loamy soil, and eastern exposure — and should be removed when they 

 are in blossom. The roots do not bear to be often separated ; and 

 if divided into small pieces are frequently lost : but if left undisturbed 

 in a congenial situation, they will attain great luxuiiance. Miller 

 says the single varieties are easily propagated by seed; but our 

 more modern gardeners do not coincide in this opinion. The new 

 leaves do not appear until after the flowers, though occasionally those 

 of the preceding year retain theii' fi-eshness, as in the figure here 

 given. All the Hepaticas are ornamental. 



Double blue. Double pink. 



Single pink. Smgle white. 



PI. 2. 



