Uvularia sessilifolia aka Sessile Leaf Bellwort

Taxonomy

Uvularia sessilifolia, also known as sessile bellwort, sessileleaf bellwort, little merrybells, or wild oats, is a compact, deciduous perennial native to eastern and central North America. This plant thrives in woodlands with wet or dry soils and can be used as a ground cover in shade or part shade areas. It has strap-like leaves that are sessile on the stem and distinguish it from the similar Streptopus. The flowers, which bloom in spring, are yellow, narrowly bell-shaped, and creamy yellow. While most plants in a clonal colony do not flower, when they do, they often do not set seed. However, when seeds are formed, they are found in three angled fruits. Uvularia sessilifolia 'Blizzard' is a cultivated form with variegated foliage. This wildflower prefers moist, rich, acidic soils with high humus content and good drainage. It grows up to 35cm tall, with green lance-shaped leaves that have greyish undersides. The cream to pale yellow flowers hang in an elongated bell shape on slender, branching stems from late spring into early summer. The native range of Uvularia sessilifolia extends from Florida to Nova Scotia, west to Texas, The Dakotas, and Manitoba.

Common names

Sessile Leaf Bellwort, Wild Oats, Straw Lily

How to care for Sessile Leaf Bellwort

Difficulty

Caring for Sessile Leaf Bellwort is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Sessile Leaf Bellwort should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sessile Leaf Bellwort loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Sessile Leaf Bellwort should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Sessile Leaf Bellwort, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

Region of origin

Sessile Leaf Bellwort’s native range is Eastern and southeastern N. America - New Brunswick to Ontario, south to Georgia and Arkansas.


More info:
Wikipedia