Botaniocal Name: Uvularia grandiflora
Family: Colchicaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Liliales
Genus: Uvularia
Species: U. grandiflora
Common Names: Fairybells, Merry Bells, Bellwort, Largeflower bellwort
Habitat: Uvularia grandiflora is native to southeastern North America – South Quebec to Georgia, west to Arkansas to North Dakota. It grows in the
rich moist woods on calcareous to neutral soils from sea level to 1100 metres.
Description:
Uvularia grandiflora is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant with pendent leaves which are hairy on the undersides. It grows 75 cm (30 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) broad. It blooms in mid- to late spring, producing large yellow, solitary or paired, bell-shaped, pendent flowers. It blooms in mid- to late spring, producing large yellow, solitary or paired, bell-shaped, pendent flowers. The top parts of the plant tend to bend downward due to the weight of the leaves and flowers. The light green stems are round, glabrous, and glaucous and the leaves are perfoliate since the stem appears to come through the leaves at the base. In late summer three capsuled ovaries split open releasing seeds that have attached food bodies called (elaiosome) which are attractive to ants that collect and redistribution the seeds.
The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Cultivation:
Landscape Uses:Container, Foundation, Specimen, Woodland garden. An easily grown plant, it requires a cool moist shady position and a light sandy soil. Likes plenty of humus in the soil. Grows well in a woodland garden and in the rock garden. Plants grow much taller in rich soils and then succeed in the herbaceous border. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -20°c. A very ornamental species, there are some named varieties. Special Features:North American native, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies.
Medicinal Uses:
The root is analgesic. It is used as a poultice or salve in the treatment of toothaches, boils, swellings, wounds and ulcers. An infusion of the root has been used to treat backaches and, mixed with oil, has been used as a salve on sore muscles. A tea made from the roots is used as a wash in the treatment of rheumatic pains.
Other Uses:
An excellent native shade plant for the woodland garden, shaded border front, wildflower garden or naturalized area. Mass plantings under shade trees or along wood margins can be effective.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uvularia_grandiflora
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Uvularia+grandiflora
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=r260
