Bellwort
One of the first woodland flowers to emerge in spring, Bellwort is a long-lived perennial of the lily family. Distinctive, drooping yellow flowers and leaves are produced on attractive vase-shaped clumps, 12 - 20 inches tall. Unlike so many spring …
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Dry, Medium |
| Sun Exposure | Partial, Shade |
| Height | 1' - 2' |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Time | May, June |
| Spacing | 1' |
| Hardiness Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Root Type | Rhizome |
| Benefits | Pollinators |
One of the first woodland flowers to emerge in spring, Bellwort is a long-lived perennial of the lily family. Distinctive, drooping yellow flowers and leaves are produced on attractive vase-shaped clumps, 12 - 20 inches tall. Unlike so many spring wildflowers which go dormant after blooming, Bellwort plants are interesting throughout the summer, as they become more erect after flowering and start to look more like Solomon’s Seal. After setting seed, the stems lengthen and create a visual effect resembling needles, threading through the leaves. Light to moderate shade in medium-moist fertile soil is ideal, though established plants are quite tolerant of dry spells and seldom require supplemental watering. Spreading slowly to form colonies, the mature clumps can be divided in the fall. A variety of native bee species feed on the nectar and collect pollen from the Bellwort flowers. The released seeds have attached food-bodies called elaiosomes, a substance that is attractive to ants which then collect and redistribute the seeds.
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