Amongst our earliest spring ephemerals are the hepaticas, in this case Blunt-lobed-Anemone americana…aka-Round-lobed.
Once open, the flower is one of a few colors, white, blue, purple, or pink.
Hepatica has been used as a herbal remedy for a variety of ailments.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Fascinating to see the young, furry foliage so well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find ll that hairiness quite attractive and, if it’s not too anthropomorphic, cute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m always happy to anthropomorphise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see from Wikipedia that “Some botanists include Hepatica within a wider interpretation of Anemone,” which appears to be what you’ve done. The common anemone species in central Texas isn’t hirsute, like this one, so all those hairs surprised me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This photo reminded me of your portrait of Heller’s plantain.
LikeLike
It reminded me, too, of Heller’s plantain.
LikeLike
It’s not my interpretation but GoBotany’s.
LikeLike
Beautiful colour and details.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool shot, and very interesting! every once in a while, I hear someone use the expression “having kittens!” to mean they got excited or anxious over some issue, so I guess this plant is excited about spring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, quadruplets apparently.
LikeLike
I want to stroke it! And the flower is so beautiful… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is kind of furry, isn’t it? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blunt or round, cropped close would make a wonderful abstract. The second is a visual remedy as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s something to keep in mind when I find them again this spring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice detail Steve!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Reed.
LikeLike
The protective hairs on the young stems and leaves look very silky but are reminiscent of the stiff guard hairs on some caterpillars, which can impart quite a sting. I imagine these are much more delicate and provide some protection from insects and the occasional hungry herbivore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, these are soft and not at all scratchy. They might be protective but I have not read that so am not sure.
LikeLike
Too early in New Jersey for Hepatica. I love these little flowers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, still too early here as well. But six weeks or so will go by quickly. I say that with hope.
LikeLike
One of my favorites, I have purple ones in my shade garden.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am filled with envy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nature at its very best – simple, elegant and beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Andrew.
LikeLike
When I saw the first photo in the email, only the top portion was visible, and my first thought was that you’d been hanging out with the kitty-cats. I’m surprised by the furriness; our anemones are much sleeker. It’s certainly a pretty thing, although in this case I think the buds surpass the flowers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I agree. The flower is a pretty one but those buds with their silky hairs are a delight.
LikeLike
Chewbacca of the flower world. “Laugh it up, fuzzball!” (Spring is coming!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always think of Cousin Itt first but Chewie is a good one too. Spring is almost upon us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I guess I should share the aforementioned Cousin Itt.
LikeLike
Wow, I’m smitten with those buds!!! I’m sure I’ve seen Hepatica blooming but don’t think I’ve ever seen the fuzzy buds. Fantastic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They were a delight to find and I’m looking forward to seeing them again this year. There is a nice clump of them near a waterfall if I can time it right.
LikeLiked by 1 person