Bloodworth, Stefan
Uvularia sessilifolia L.
Spreading bellwort, Straw lily, Wild oats, Merrybells, Sessile-leaf bellwort
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
The 10-15 in. stalks of this
perennial are usually two-branched and bear
oval, lily-like leaves. Delicate, cream-colored flowers may be single or paired and hang bell-like on short
axillary stems. The 1 or 2 creamy yellow, drooping flowers are at the top of an angled
stem having unstalked leaves. The roots colonize to form a groundcover.
This common woodland wildflower has a near relative,
Perfoliate Bellwort (
U. perfoliata), whose
stem appears to pierce the leaves. The interior surface of the flowers is roughened with small glands. A bigger version, Large-flowered Bellwort (
U. grandiflora), has bright yellow flowers and
perfoliate leaves which are downy beneath. It reaches a height of 20 (50 cm). Mountain Bellwort (
U. pudica) has shiny leaves and stems in clumps, and is similar to
Sessile Bellwort, as is Florida Bellwort (
U. floridana), which has a small, leaf-like
bract on the flower stalk. At one time these plants were thought to be good for treating throat diseases because the drooping flowers resembled the uvula, the soft
lobe hanging into the throat from the soft palate.
Image Gallery:
8 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Retention: Deciduous Leaf Complexity: Simple Size Notes: Generally 6 to 12 inches tall
Leaf: Yellow-green
Flower:
Fruit: Green in summer 1 inch
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Typically pale yellow in color
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
ON Native Distribution: N.B. to MN to the Dakotas, s. to extreme n. FL & OK, Zones 4 to 8
Native Habitat: Woods, thickets, clearings
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, rich, acidic soils. Prefers high humus and good drainage.
Conditions Comments: Does not tolerate flooding.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Useful
deciduous groundcover for shade
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
2010-04-18
