Anemone hepatica or Three-lobed liverwort

In February, the vegetation still seems dormant. However, some plants, such as the three-lobed liverwort, are already active and flowering, even though the trees have not yet sprouted leaves. This early flowering allows them to take full advantage of the spring light and avoid competition from other species. It also promotes effective pollination, which is essential for the plant's survival.

The three-lobed liverwort is a native forest species of the Ranunculaceae family. Its blue-purple, sometimes pink or white flowers appear in the undergrowth between February and May.

Its unusual name comes from the doctrine of signatures. Until the 16th century, it was believed that the shape or colour of plants revealed their therapeutic properties. Some plants were named after their resemblance to an organ. The liverwort (Hepatica nobilis) bears this name because the shape of its leaves resembles that of the liver.