Uvularia sessilifolia aka Sessile Leaf Bellwort

Uvularia sessilifolia is a small perennial in the Colchicaceae family. Its common names include sessile bellwort, strawbell, and wild oats. It grows wild across central and eastern North America. Its range covers parts of Canada and the United States. It lives in woods, thickets, and moist lowland sites. The plant loses its leaves each year.

Plants form clumps with upright stems that bend or arch. RHS lists garden height and spread up to 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Its stem description gives a height near 1.1 feet [0.35 metres]. Underground stems help it spread into a ground cover. Growth proceeds at a moderate pace. The green stems fork near their tops and zigzag between leaves. Their upper parts may turn red-purple when flowers appear. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern and clasp the stems. They have no leaf stalks. Their smooth edges may curl before flattening as leaves grow. Pale undersides bear fine hairs and clear parallel veins.

Cream or pale yellow flowers hang from short flower stalks. Most appear alone, though some grow in pairs. Each bell-shaped flower has six parts, with fine veins outside. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from March through June. RHS places bloom in late spring and early summer. Green capsules follow the flowers. Each capsule has three winged edges and a pointed tip. The flowers attract pollinators, including the specialist bee Andrena uvulariae.

Choose full or partial shade with rich, moist soil. Add humus and allow excess water to drain away. Acid or neutral soil suits the plant. It can grow in clay, loam, or sandy soil. RHS rates its cold hardiness as H7. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 3–9. Use it beneath shrubs, beside paths, or in woodland borders. It also suits native gardens and naturalized ground cover. Leave fallen leaves in place to build soil humus. Seeds, division, and root cuttings offer ways to raise plants. Sow ripe seeds before they dry out. Its long underground stem makes moving established plants difficult.

Slugs can damage young plants, and snails may also cause trouble. Sources report few major insect or disease problems. The plant needs no pruning. NC State reports that young leaves serve as cooked greens. Plants For A Future also lists cooked shoots and roots. Young shoots can replace asparagus in food. Sources record past use of root tea for diarrhea. These reports do not establish that such treatments work. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for every person or pet.