Native Plants
Plant Database
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Bloodworth, Stefan
Uvularia sessilifolia
Uvularia sessilifolia L.
Spreading Bellwort, Straw Lily, Wild Oats, Merrybells, Sessile-leaf Bellwort, Sessile Bellwort
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Synonym(s): Oakesiella sessilifolia
USDA Symbol: uvse
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
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. puberula) 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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Generally 6 to 12 inches tall
Leaf: Yellow-green
Fruit: Green in summer 1 inch
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , YellowBloom Time: Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Typically pale yellow in color
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: 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
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight 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 shadeConspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root Division , SeedsDescription: Seeds should be sown immediately upon ripening and should not be allowed to dry out before sowing. Propagate also by rhizome division.
Commercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: A winter cover of leaves should be left in place to provide compost and humus. To establish it as a solid groundcover, allow to seed out each year until it fills in fully.
National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FAC | FAC | FACU | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Uvularia sessilifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Uvularia sessilifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Uvularia sessilifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2015-07-08Research By: TWC Staff