It was also used as an insect repellent. Native to eastern United States and Canada. Moist to dry conditions. Plants will reseed and tolerate more sun than most wildflowers. One of the easiest ground covers to grow in the shade.
Flowers are inconspicuous.
The flowers appear before the new leaves form. Clumps grow in dry woods and hillsides. Many times Hepatica can be seen flowering through the snow. Old leaves appear with the flowers and after blooming new growth begins at the base. The flower of this plant is a ispulpitlm that is a curving hood which covers the 'Jack' or spadix.