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Bellwort

Uvularia grandiflora

Last reviewed: September 2026

Uvularia grandiflora, or large-flowered bellwort, is a woodland forb that blooms in April and May with nodding yellow flowers. It grows well in part shade with medium moisture, typical of rich deciduous forest floors.

Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)
Photo: (c) Tom Scavo, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, GA and 24 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Bellwort is a graceful woodland perennial that produces drooping yellow bell-shaped flowers in spring. The arching stems and oval leaves create an elegant, naturalized appearance that works well in shaded garden areas.

Growing Bellwort

Grow Bellwort in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bellwort is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

  • Goes completely dormant in summer leaving bare spots
  • May appear too wild or unstructured for formal landscapes

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract native bees and beetles for pollination. The plant also provides habitat and cover for small woodland creatures.

Common questions

When does bellwort bloom?
Uvularia grandiflora typically flowers in April and May, producing pale yellow, bell-shaped blooms that hang from the tips of arching stems.
What kind of light does bellwort need?
This plant does best in part shade, though it also tolerates deeper shade found under a closed woodland canopy.
How much water does bellwort require?
Bellwort prefers medium, consistently moist soil similar to conditions found on a forest floor, rather than soggy or very dry ground.
What pollinates bellwort flowers?
Bees and beetles are the main visitors to bellwort flowers, drawn to the nodding blooms in early spring.
What type of plant is bellwort?
Uvularia grandiflora is a herbaceous perennial forb that dies back to the ground each winter and regrows from rhizomes in spring.
Is Bellwort HOA-friendly?
Bellwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Bellwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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