Native woodland plant with 3-lobed, mottled evergreen leaves and delicate white, pink, blue, or lavender flower clusters in early spring. Delicate-looking, but very hardy. Astringent and diuretic, it has been used to treat liver ailments, indigestion, wounds and as a laxative. Prefers alkalinity but tolerates sandy as well as clay soils. Prefers a damp site.