We have two sorts, H. acutiloba, and H. triloba. A large variety has been found on Long Island in Rice Lake; the leaves of which are five lobed; the lobes much rounded, the leaf stalks stout, densely silky, the flowers large, of a deep purple blue. This handsome plant throve under careful cultivation and proved highly ornamental.
The small round closely folded buds of the Hepatica appear before the white silky leaves unfold themselves, though many of the old leaves of the former year remain persistent through the winter. The buds rise from the centre of a silken bed of soft sheaths and young leaves, as if nature kindly provided for the warmth and protection of these early flowers with parental care.
Later in the season, the young leaves expand just before the flowers drop off. The white flowered is the most common among our Hepaticas, but varieties may be seen of many hues: waxen-pink, pale blue and azure blue with intermediate shades and tints.
The Hepatica belongs to the Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceæ, the crow-foot family, but possesses none of the acrid and poisonous qualities of the Ranunculus proper, being used in medicine, as a mild tonic, by the American herb doctors in fevers and disorders of the liver.
It is very probable that its healing virtues in complaints of the liver gave rise to its common name in old times; some assign the name to the form of the lobed leaf.
BELLWORT.
(WOOD DAFFODIL.)
Uvularia perfoliata.
“Fair Daffodils, we weep to see
Thee haste away so soon,
As yet the early rising sun