This is widespread in eastern North America, escept on the southeastern Coastal Plain. See W for notes on taxonomic choices and habitats for the two Hepatica species. Flowering occurs mostly in mid-Mar to early Apr. Distinction of Hepatica from Anemone has not been supported by some recent cladistic interpretation based on molecular analysis at the global level (Hoot et al. 2012). However, alternative nomenclatures may still be reasonable, especially if some paraphyly is allowed. Anemonastrum. canadensis is relatively close to Hepatica, and they could have been treated in subgenus Anemodium; the other species of Anemone in Ky. would remain in Anemone sensu stricto.