Kingdom Plantae Family Colchicaceae Higher classification Colchicaceae | Order Liliales Scientific name Uvularia Rank Genus | |
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Lower classifications Uvularia grandiflora, Uvularia sessilifolia | ||
Plant portrait mountain bellwort uvularia puberula
Uvularia is a genus of plants in the family Colchicaceae, close to the lily family (Liliaceae). They are commonly called bellworts, bellflowers or merrybells. The genus name is derived from the Latin ūvula meaning "little grape," likely because of the way the flowers hang downward. For the same reason Uvularia may also refer to the similarly derived palatine uvula, which hangs down from the soft palate in the mouth. This unusual flower is found in April and May, often on wooded slopes or in ravines and it spreads by stolons, or stoloniferous rhizomes. The plants are usually 18 to 24 inches (45–60 cm) in height and bear one or two flowers which hang downward from the axils of the leaves.
Contents
- Plant portrait mountain bellwort uvularia puberula
- Uvularia grandiflora a beautiful woodland plant mov
- Species
- Description
- Cultivation
- References
Uvularia grandiflora a beautiful woodland plant mov
Species
There are five species of Uvularia. All are exclusively native to North America. They grow from northern Florida to Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Texas.
- Uvularia floridana Chapm. - FL GA SC AL MS
- Uvularia grandiflora Sm. - Ontario, Québec, E + C United States
- Uvularia perfoliata L. - Ontario, E + SC United States
- Uvularia puberula Michx. EC United States
- Uvularia sessilifolia L. - E Canada, NE + SE United States, Great Lakes, Mississippi Valley
Description
They have erect, simple or twice branched stems with leaves at the top of the stems that are alternate, or perfoliated. Flowers hang downward in Spring from the top of the plants. They form singularly or sometimes in pairs.
Cultivation
These unobtrusive woodland plants are useful in the woodland and shade garden.
