Uvularia L. is a genus of perennial rhizomatous plants similar to Polygonatum native to the southern United States. Species are woodland plants grown for their delicate bell-shaped flowers. Uvularia is now considered to be in an expanded Colchicaceae family. In the past, it has been considered by various taxonomists to be part of the Uvulariaceae family, the Convallariaceae family, and the Melanthiaceae family. The name derives from the human uvula (commonly known as 'that thing which hangs down at the back of your throat') which means 'little grape'.
Uvularia grandiflora Sm. has yellow flowers and blooms spring to summer. It is found from Canada to the southeastern United States. Common names are bellwort or merrybells. Height: to about 2 ft. The first two photos are by John Lonsdale and the remaining photos by David Pilling. Photo 5 compares the form 'Pallida' (right) with the usual variety, and photo 6 is of a flower of 'Pallida'
Photo 1 is of roots; photos 2-3 are of new seed pods that may develop for a long time, yet not contain any seed. Photo 4 shows a ripe pod splitting and photo 5 shows the globose seeds that are 6 mm in diameter with elaiosomes to attract ants. Photo 6 shows a shoot for the next year appearing at the bottom of a stem in September, just before the leaves turn brown and the stems die back.
Photograph 1 is of the seeds collected in 2013 germinating in mid summer 2014. Photograph 2 shows a resulting seedling in May 2015, its first year of growing leaves.
Uvularia sessilifolia L. has white flowers and is found from Canada to central and eastern United States. Height range: 15-30 cm. Photo by John Lonsdale.
