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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: August 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

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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

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