For some reason we don't see Hepatica used very often in gardens, but it is an excellent early spring bloomer that can brighten any corner. They are best used in clumps of two or three, or for a greater effect, scattered unevenly beneath tree canopies and in ravines. Tilia americana , Allium tricoccum , Claytonia virginica , Dentaria laciniata , Dicentra cucullaria , Galium aparine , Geranium maculatum , Hydrophyllum virginianum , Osmorhiza claytonii , Phlox divaricata , Podophyllum peltatum , Sanguinaria canadensis , Sanicula gregaria , Smilacina racemosa , Thalictrum dioicum , Trillium grandiflorum , Trillium recurvatum . It is also supposed to stimulate gall bladder production, resulting in limited success as a laxative. Although the leaves will stop bleeding, they are also extremely irritating to the skin and should not be placed on open wounds.
Large doses can produce symptoms of poisoning.
However, not too long ago Hepatica was viewed as the cure-all for most ailments. In North America, Native Americans used the plant as a tea to soothe coughs, irritated throats, and as a wash for sore breasts. By the 1820's Hepatica had fallen into disuse throughout Europe, but its popularity in America was rapidly growing. In the 1883 over 450,000 pounds of dried leaves were harvested for export or domestic use, although its effectiveness was often a reason for debate amongst doctors. For this reason it eventually fell into disuse once again.