Anemone Hepatica or Hepatica nobilis -- the jury is still out on the 'true' taxonomy and classification. Also known as Liverwort, the pink variety is called 'obtusa'. Personally, Liverwort doesn't seem very fitting for this dainty charmer, and I certainly can't go with 'obtusa'...so I just like to call her Hepatica. I've been hoping to catch her with more of her 'babies' opened up, but it's still just a little early. This is how she looked today, all pink and 'girly', and perhaps just a little shy. I would like to add more like her, eventually, so she won't have to be an 'only child' in my garden;-) (On the other hand, purchasing natives can end up costing quite a lot of money, so I've been ordering individually to see how a particular plant does in my garden, with the idea that I'll order more later if things seem to work out. In many cases, it's my hope that they might eventually spread out and I can divide).
(Click on the photos to enlarge. My SLR is in the Nikon repair shop so these are with my Cannon point and shoot. I think it does pretty well and have enjoyed using it more now while the other one is out of commission.)
And then, there is Mertensia virginica. Virginia Bluebells is another favorite native plant and this is one of 4 that I planted about 3 years ago. This little beauty is also known as Virginia Cowslip and Boraginaceae...but I am not crazy about either of those names so I call her Mertensia or Virginia Bluebells. She has only just popped out and is showing off her pretty blue buds which will soon open up to form bell-shaped flowers.
I had wanted to share more information about each plant, but due to a lack of time, I will do that in future posts later on. Here is a USDA link that gives some interesting facts about Hepatica nobilis as well as a link.
Be sure to join Gail at Clay and Limestone for more natives on Wildflower Wednesday.
Words and photos ©Thanks for today.™, by Jan Huston Doble @ http://www.thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/
Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.
