Family: Colchicaceae
Author: Sm.
Bibliography: Exot. Bot. 1: 99 (1805)
Year: 1805
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Uvularia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SC. & SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Bellwort, a delicate and charming perennial herb, is scientifically known as Uvularia grandiflora. This elegant plant was first described in literary records in 1805, specifically in the noteworthy publication “Exotic Botany” by the botanist James Edward Smith. Recognized for its subtle beauty, Bellwort is a treasure of the Colchicaceae family.
Bellwort is indigenous to regions spanning south-central and southeastern Canada down through the eastern United States, extending as far south as North Carolina. This plant thrives in the deciduous woodlands of these areas, favoring the shady, moisture-retentive soils that provide an ideal environment for its growth.
Characterized by its slender, arching stems and dainty, nodding yellow flowers, Bellwort captures the essence of spring. Each flower, a pendulous beauty with elongated petals, exudes a sense of both fragility and resilience. The leaves, which appear to clasp the stem with a perfoliate base, add to the plant’s ethereal appearance.
Bellwort holds a cherished spot in native North American flora for its low-maintenance growth habit and the effortless charm it brings to woodland gardens. Its presence is often an indicator of rich, healthy soil, embodying the delicate balance of the ecosystems it inhabits.
In summary, Uvularia grandiflora, or Bellwort, is a perennial delight suited perfectly for shade gardens and nature enthusiasts restoring natural landscapes. Its modest grace and ecological significance underscore the importance of preserving native flora in the face of environmental changes.
Common Names
Eng: bellwort, largeflower bellwort, large-flowered bellwort, yellow bellwort
Swe: guldrams
Fra: uvulaire à grandes fleurs, uvulaire grandes-fleurs, uvulaire grandiflore
En: Bellwort, Largeflower bellwort, LARGE-FLOWER BELLWORT, Large-flowered bellwort, Yellow bellwort
Ar: زهرة اللهاة الكبيرة الأزهار
Bg: Едроцветна увулария
Zh: 大颚花
Fr: Uvulaire à grandes fleurs, Uvulaire grandes-fleurs, Uvulaire grandiflore
Ru: Увулярия крупноцветковая
Sv: Guldrams
Zh-tw: 大顎花
Synonyms
- Uvularia grandiflora f. rotundifolia (Louis-Marie)
- Uvularia grandiflora f. latifolia (Louis-Marie)
- Uvularia grandiflora f. variegata (Louis-Marie)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Apr 28, 2013 by EOL − hobiecat (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 10, 2014 by EOL − Sarah Carline (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 4, 2014 by EOL − illinoisbotanizer (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 7, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − This image is not copyrighted and may be freely used for any purpose. Please credit the artist, original publication if applicable, and the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. The following format is suggested and will be appreciated: Jennifer Anderson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database If you cite (public)
Fruit
Taken Apr 23, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 5, 2020 by David David (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2021 by urtica (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2020 by Nicole WK (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2020 by Lee Crank (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Sebastian de Lemps (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 9, 2022 by K P (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2022 by A. G. (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2022 by Philippe De Coster (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Darragh Ian (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2020 by Alex Mas (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Daphne God (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 5, 2021 by Robert Breeding (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2740310)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:543399-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Uvularia grandiflora Sm.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb