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Bellwort

Uvularia grandiflora

Last reviewed: July 2026

Uvularia grandiflora is a native woodland wildflower blooming with drooping yellow bells in April and May across eastern North America from Minnesota to Georgia.

Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)
Photo: Permission granted to use under GFDL by Kurt Stueber / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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

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 Uvularia grandiflora bloom?
Large-flowered bellwort blooms in April and May, producing distinctive drooping yellow bell-shaped flowers in spring woodlands.
What pollinators visit Uvularia grandiflora?
Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of large-flowered bellwort, attracted to its yellow spring flowers.
Where is Uvularia grandiflora native?
Large-flowered bellwort is native across much of eastern North America, from the Great Plains states like Minnesota and Kansas eastward to the Atlantic coast and south to Georgia and Alabama.
What growing conditions does Uvularia grandiflora prefer?
This woodland wildflower thrives in partial shade to full shade with medium moisture levels, making it ideal for naturalized woodland gardens.
Is Bellwort HOA-friendly?
Bellwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz