Mariton – Hepatica

I have been looking for Round-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana) ever since Dan told me he had found Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) blooming at Crow's Nest Preserve.  Since he is usually a litte ahead of me, I figured there was still time to find some Hepatica.  I found a few speciments along the Chimney Rock Trail.   

I desperately wanted to find a Hepatica this spring was in memory of our friend Denis Manchon.  Denis was a volunteer that visited several Natural Lands Trust preserves taking photos of wildflowers.  He then generously donated his artwork to the preserves.  Denis passed away over the winter, and I think of him especially at this time of year.

When I found the first Hepaticas each spring, I would email Denis.  He would visit within 48 hours, camera in hand and a smile on his face.  All of these photos are Denis' Hepaticas.