Hacquetia epipactis

Hacquetia epipactis (syn. Dondia epipactis Spreng.) is a species of flowering plant of the Apiaceae family, native to moist, shady woodland habitats in Europe. The only species of its genus, it is a rhizomatous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial, growing to only about 5–10 cm in height, with glossy pale green leaves which only fully develop after flowering. The flowers, appearing late winter and early spring, consist of multiple tiny yellow florets framed by lime green bracts, and carried in dense spherical umbels 4 cm in diameter. It is easy to cultivate in Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 7 according to the United States Department of Agriculture, and looks best as groundcover in a woodland setting which imitates its native habitat.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Known cultivars include 'Thor' - a variegated variety.

The name epipactis comes from a Greek word for plants thought to curdle milk.

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