Large blue hepatica

About

Hepatica transsilvanica is an endemic of Romania: it grows only in the Southeastern Carpathians and belongs to the group of "Dacian" species, whose center is Transylvania. In Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia, this species is absent: there, its relative, Hepatica nobilis, blooms in the forests.

In English, the plant is called the "Large blue hepatica." This species has a hybrid origin: according to genetic studies, it originated about three million years ago, and one of its ancestors was indeed Hepatica nobilis. The chromosome set in Hepatica transsilvanica is doubled, and the leaves have an intermediate form between the lobed leaves of one ancestor and the serrated leaves of the other.

Our data show the species in the Bucegi, Hășmaș, and Piatra Craiului mountains, mostly at altitudes of 750–1300 m, in beech and spruce forest belts. Observations from iNaturalist indicate that in the Romanian Carpathians, Hepatica transsilvanica is most frequently recorded in March–May, with flowering occurring during these months.

The plant is valued by gardeners: it has received an award from the Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. In nature, it is best admired — do not pick or dig it up.

This species does not live in the Ukrainian Carpathians today — you can see it in other Carpathian countries.

Where in the Carpathians

Orange — where naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, CC0/CC BY); a blank area does not mean it is absent.

Countries

Romania

Mountain ranges

In other countries: 🇷🇴 Bucegi Mountains, 🇷🇴 Hășmaș Mountains, 🇷🇴 Piatra Craiului

Altitude belts

Beech forests (600–1200 m) · Conifer forests (1200–1600 m)

When to see it

From naturalists’ observations in the Carpathians (iNaturalist, research grade): the darker the cell, the more often the species is seen that month.

Protection and rules

The species is absent in Ukraine. Endemic to the Romanian Carpathians.

Red Data Book of Ukraine

FAQ