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Fairy-bells

Prosartes hookeri

Last reviewed: October 2026

Fairy-bells (Prosartes hookeri) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, MI, MT and 2 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw native bees and flies.

Fairy-bells (Prosartes hookeri)
Photo: (c) machaut2, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Fairy-bells (Prosartes hookeri) 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

shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CA, ID, MI, MT and 2 more states

Pollinators

native bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Fairy-bells.

A gently arching woodland perennial with broad, veined leaves and small, dangling cream-white bell flowers hidden beneath the foliage. It grows in shaded forest understory, later producing bright orange-red berries.

Growing Fairy-bells

Grow Fairy-bells in shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its berries are eaten by forest birds and small mammals, dispersing seed through the woodland.

Common questions

How much sun does Fairy-bells need?
Fairy-bells grows best in shade conditions.
When does Fairy-bells bloom?
Fairy-bells blooms in April and May.
Where is Fairy-bells native?
Fairy-bells (Prosartes hookeri) is native to CA, ID, MI, MT and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Fairy-bells attract?
Fairy-bells draws native bees and flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Fairy-bells? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.