How much sun does Yellow Bell need?

Yellow Bell grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Yellow Bell bloom?

Yellow Bell blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Yellow Bell native?

Yellow Bell (Fritillaria pudica) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Yellow Bell toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Yellow Bell as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Yellow Bell attract?

Yellow Bell draws bees and butterflies.

Is Yellow Bell HOA-friendly?

Yellow Bell takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Yellow Bell

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Fritillaria pudica

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Yellow Bell as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

Yellow bell is a charming early spring bulb that produces bright yellow nodding flowers that age to orange-red. This small native wildflower goes dormant after blooming, disappearing completely until the following spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Yellow Bell takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Completely disappears after spring bloom
Leaves empty spaces in planted beds
Very small scale may look sparse

Wildlife value

Provides nectar for early spring bees and butterflies when few other flowers are available. The early bloom time makes it especially valuable for emerging pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellow Bell need?: Yellow Bell grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Yellow Bell bloom?: Yellow Bell blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Yellow Bell native?: Yellow Bell (Fritillaria pudica) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Yellow Bell toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Yellow Bell as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Yellow Bell attract?: Yellow Bell draws bees and butterflies.
Is Yellow Bell HOA-friendly?: Yellow Bell takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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 Yellow Bell? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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