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Native Plant Database

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Shortia galacifolia (Oconee bells)
Vick, Albert F. W.

Shortia galacifolia Torr. & Gray

Oconee bells, Oconee-bells, Shortia

Diapensiaceae (Pincushion-Plant Family)

USDA Symbol: SHGA

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A low, spreading, evergreen perennial with long-petioled, shiny, round, basal leaves. A 4 in., erect scape bears a single, large, white or slightly pinkish flower with five, frilled petals. The leaves turn bronze in the fall.

This species is of considerable interest to botanists. Extremely rare, it was not found again for almost a century after its initial discovery in 1788. It grows well in gardens. The species name suggests its resemblance to Beetleweed or Galax (Galax urceolata), but its scalloped leaves are smaller, and the flowers are solitary, not in long spikes. The genus name honors a 19th-century Kentucky botanist, Dr. Charles Wilkins Short.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr

Distribution

USA: GA , NC , SC , TN , VA
Native Distribution: Locally in a few GA, NC & SC cos.
Native Habitat: Rich, wooded stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Description: Well-drained, acid, humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: Difficult to establish and slow to spread. Rare in nature, but commonly cultivated as a ground cover.

Propagation

Description: Most easily propagated by division. To produce seed, cross pollination must occur between plants of different clones. The seed should be planted immediately after collection. Give seedlings protection for one year.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Shortia galacifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Shortia galacifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Shortia galacifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-07-16
Research By: TWC Staff

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