Hepatica - before it blooms

Hepatica buds, downy soft, were hiding under dead leaves

 Today we discovered Hepatica in the woods on a hillside above a creek (and, lower down, lots of skunk cabbage!).  We had to step off the path a few feet to reach this patch.  It's hard not to step on them because they're so hard to see! 

Back side of a hepatica leaf is purple with tiny hairs

Close-up of tiny hairs which cover hepatica

 We'll have to return next week so we can see the blossoms! 

Hepatica leaves blend in with dead leaf cover

Close-up of the top of a hepatica