Native Plants
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Prosartes smithii
Prosartes smithii (Hook.) Utech, Shinwari & Kawano
Largeflower Fairybells, Large-flower Fairybells, Smith's Fairybells
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Synonym(s): Disporum smithii, Prosartes menziesii, Uvularia smithii
USDA Symbol: PRSM
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
The flowers of Large-flower Fairybells occur singly or in clusters of 3-5. These delicate, bell-shaped flowers are flesh-colored and pendent from the leaf axils of the leafy, freely branched, 12-36 in. stems. The leaves often clasp the stem and are prominently parallel veined. Salmon-colored fruits follow the flowers.
Of the three Northwest native Prosartes species, this has the largest flowers.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Creamy white.
Distribution
USA: CA , OR , WACanada: BC
Native Distribution: B.C. s., w. of the Cascades, to San Mateo Co., CA
Native Habitat: Moist, open to deep woods
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Of the three Northwest native Disporum species, this has the largest flowers.
Propagation
Description: Propagation is from root cuttings or from seeds.Commercially Avail: yes
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Prosartes smithii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Prosartes smithii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Prosartes smithii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-23Research By: TWC Staff