Spending the Weekend with the Wildflowers of Wolf Creek Narrows: Sharp-lobed hepatica

We have two species (sometimes considered to be varieties of a single species) of hepatica in Pennsylvania. The flowers in the photo are of sharp-lobed hepatica, but to distinguish it from round-lobed hepatica, you need to examine the leaves. The first thing you will probably notice is that the lobes are either sharp or rounded. What convenient common names these plants have! Also, notice that the middle lobe is much shorter on the round-lobed hepatica; less than 70% of the total length of the leaf verses greater than 70% for sharp-lobed hepatica. Both species are common in deciduous woods, with sharp-lobed hepatica favoring richer soils, typically underlain by limestone.

DIRECTIONS: From the Slippery Rock exit of Interstate I-79, proceed east on Pa. Rt. 108 to Slippery Rock. At the light in town, turn left on Rt. 258. Go one block, and turn left on Water Street. Follow Water Street for approximately 2.0 miles until it crosses Wolf Creek on an iron bridge. Cross the bridge, and look for a small parking area at the head of a dirt lane on the left. Please do not block the lane or park along the paved road.

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