4/16/2022: Spring marches on with happy Hepatica

Michigan weather was in a bit of a stall for several weeks, but it seems temperatures are just warm enough for spring to kick into action. Numerous horticultural weeds have bloomed (and for many, finished blooming), among them crocuses, Dutch Irises, and snow drops, but the eastern United States has a deeply underappreciated herald of spring that keeps blooming for weeks on end.

Hepatica (or similar entities) are distributed across the temperate world, though Michigan is home to at least two distinct entities. They’re lovely little plants that take a lot of shade, but will perform fine in full sun if the soil stays evenly moist.

This specimen has been showboating near my front doorsteps for several years, and I feel the number of flowers it puts out grows every year. In February the fuzzy flower buds emerge from the semi-evergreen foliage, and with the first few warm days the plant swings into full display. Surprisingly, despite there being other individuals nearby to cross-pollinate with, the floral show usually last a bit over a month, dwarfing the several days or weeks of garden mainstay spring bloomers.

Let this robust fellow be a reminder that no matter the nightly lows, spring is here!

-Kyle