Large Flowered Bellwort is a wonderful woodland perennial native. It is a common spring wildflower locally, in mesic to dry woodlands.
Flowering begins as early as the end of April, more commonly at the beginning of May in the upper Midwest. The 6 parted flowers have long (up to 2") twisted tepals that hang downwards.
A triangular shaped seed capsule forms by mid summer. The seeds are dispersed by ants who are attracted to the fleshy, protein rich elaiosome attached to the seed.
Large Flowered Bellwort is native to eastern North America, see map below for range.
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| Kartesz, J.T., The Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2011. North American Plant Atlas. Chapel Hill, N.C. |
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One of my favorites too (although we don't have this species, but two others instead). Gorgeous pictures.
ReplyDeleteMine too. I planted more last year in the yard and hope to have more flower, some gets nibbled by the deer.
DeleteAccording to the map we may be just out of range for this one here in central VA. But if it's here it should be easy to identify...even for me!
ReplyDeleteYes, you probably have other great Uvularia in your area. Not sure if all species have the pierced leaves.
DeleteBeautiful plant very similar to the eastern native U.sessilifolia...you do have to get right down to ground level to photograph those lovely yellow bells, don't you :) I've been thinking of planting this on a wall somewhere so the spring flowers are at eye-level...
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea Ellen, planting up higher. I have some prairie species up on a retaining wall but no woodland natives to enjoy at eye level.
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