In North America, Anemone acutiloba and A . americana are sufficiently well differentiated to enable the distinction of the two species. Some intermediates do occur but it is uncertain as to whether these are true intermediates or hybrids. The fact that the two species are highly sympatric and still maintain their differences implies that they should still be recognized as distinctive species (see G.L. Stebbins 1993).
Much like H. americana and hybridizing, but maintaining its identity; lvs 3-lobed or occasionally 5-7-lobed, deeply cordate at the base, the lobes broad, acute; length of the lf blade about 3 times the distance from the summit of the petiole to the sinuses; bracts acute, about equaling the sep. Similar habitats; Que. to Minn., s. to Ga., Ala., and Mo. Mar., Apr. (H. nobilis var. acuta)
Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.
Infrequent to frequent throughout the state except in the prairie area. The hepaticas are strictly woodland plants. This species is generally found in rich soil on wooded slopes and these most frequently near streams. The flowers vary from white to pink and purple. The leaves of both of our hepaticas vary in color from green to green mottled with maroon. Some authors regard H. acutiloba as only a variety of the next species, but it is entirely distinct although the characters separating it are difficult to describe. The leaves and achenes of Hepatica acutiloba are slightly larger than those of Hepatica americana. This species is a lime loving plant while the next prefers a slightly acid soil and this requirement, I believe, excludes it or makes it rare in southern Indiana.
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Indiana Coefficient of Conservatism: C = 8
Wetland Indicator Status: N/A
Diagnostic Traits: Plants <20 cm; leaves all basal, 3-lobed, longer than broad, angles acute; flowers solitary, blue, white, or pink, subtended by 3 bracts; perianth of ca. 5-6 sepals.