How Big & Fat Can a Liverwort Get?

Liverwort Characteristics

• The most characteristic feature of any liverwort is its leaves, each of which has three wide lobes. Frequently, the lobes are blotched with colors of brown or very dark red. The name "liverwort" was inspired by these blotched leaves, which, to some early herbalists, looked like diseased livers. The flowers, in shades of pink, blue, purple and white, usually have five petals apiece, with multiple yellow stamens in the middle. Each bloom also has three green sepals at its base. The roots are wiry.

Large Species and Hybrids

• One of the largest liverworts is Ballard's hepatica (Hepatica x media "Ballardii"), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. Ballard's hepatica grows 4 inches tall, by 12 inches wide. The plants have a mounding habit and intense blue flowers. Breeders also have produced plants with fully double flowers in several colors. Anemone hepatica (Hepatica triloba), hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8, also is large. Under ideal conditions, it grows 3 inches tall, with a 4- to 5-inch spread. Often semi-evergreen, anemone hepatica varieties also may bear double flowers.

Culture

• To reach optimal size, liverworts need rich, well-drained soil that is consistently moist. Woodland conditions with partial shade are best for the little plants, which will self-seed readily in good situations. Obtain young liverworts from specialty nurseries and plant out after all danger of frost is past. Water regularly until plants are established. Most species blossom in early spring, with flowers appearing before the new leaves. Established clumps can be divided after the flowers have faded.

Uses

• Larger liverworts, like the 3-by-8-inch transsylvatica species (Hepatica transsylvatica), hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8, can be grown or displayed in single pots, grouped together with other potted specimens. Liverworts make excellent subjects for the woodland garden, positioned at the edges of beds where they are easy to see. They also are useful for habitat or pollinator gardens because they are insect-pollinated. Appropriately colored liverworts also fit well in blue and white color-themed beds.