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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

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.

From the Image Gallery

2 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Creamy white.

Distribution

USA: CA , OR , WA
Canada: 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 Shade
Soil 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 Plants
FNA: Find Prosartes smithii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Prosartes smithii

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-23
Research By: TWC Staff

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