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Description
Hepatica Nobilis Var. Obtusa, also known as sharp-lobed hepatica, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in the eastern United States and Canada. The plant produces a single stem that can grow up to 6 inches tall, with leaves that are heart-shaped and serrated. The flowers are usually blue or purple, but can also be pink, white or red. The plant blooms in early spring and can continue blooming for several weeks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Hepatica |
Appearance
The sharp-lobed hepatica has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green and glossy. The leaves are deeply lobed, with sharp serrations along the edges. The flowers are usually blue or purple, but can also be pink, white or red. They are cup-shaped and can grow up to 1 inch in diameter. The plant can grow up to 6 inches tall and has a spread of up to 12 inches. The plant blooms in early spring and can continue blooming for several weeks.
Care Guide
The sharp-lobed hepatica is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant should be watered regularly, but not over-watered. Fertilizer should be applied in early spring, just before new growth appears. The plant prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The sharp-lobed hepatica is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by slugs or snails, which can damage the leaves and flowers. If this occurs, the affected areas should be removed and the plant should be treated with an insecticide. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or leaf spot. These can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The sharp-lobed hepatica is native to North America and can be found growing in the eastern United States and Canada. It is typically found growing in woodlands, on rocky slopes or in meadows. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time to plant sharp-lobed hepatica?
A: The best time to plant sharp-lobed hepatica is in early spring, just before new growth appears.
Q: How often should I water my sharp-lobed hepatica?
A: The sharp-lobed hepatica should be watered regularly, but not over-watered. It prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for sharp-lobed hepatica?
A: The sharp-lobed hepatica is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Q: How long does the sharp-lobed hepatica bloom?
A: The sharp-lobed hepatica blooms in early spring and can continue blooming for several weeks.
Related Plants
- Hepatica acutiloba
- Hepatica americana
- Hepatica transsilvanica
- Hepatica maxima
References
- “Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c840
- “Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa – Sharp-lobed Hepatica.” Illinois Wildflowers. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/sh_hepatica.htm
- “Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa.” North Carolina State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hepatica-nobilis-var-obtusa/
