Overview
Uvularia grandiflora is the most commonly planted of the five species of Uvularia. All species are native to eastern North America, and 2 other species (U. perfoliata and U. sessilifolia) are Wisconsin natives. With a common name of great merrybells or large-flowered bellwort, this woodland plant is one of the first wildflowers to emerge in spring. This makes it an excellent early season pollinator plant. It is a long-lived perennial in the lily family (Liliaceae) that is hardy in zones 3a to 9b.
Plants are produced in dense, vase-shaped clumps 12 to 20 inches tall. Single or 1 to branched stems arise from short underground rhizomes with fleshy, fibrous roots and no stolons.
One terminal inflorescence is produced on each stem, with 1 to 4 hanging flowers. The hanging yellow flowers are about 1 ½ inches long. The six overlapping tepals flare at the ends. The fruits that follow the flowers are a 3-cornered capsule with 1 to 3 brownish-red seeds per locule.
The flowers are followed by bluish-green, alternate, perfoliate leaves. The plants remain throughout the summer, unlike many spring wildflowers that go dormant after blooming. The plants typically appear droopy, as though wilted, as they are emerging and during bloom. Once they have finished flowering, the leaves and stems become more erect, with an appearance similar to Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum spp.)
Landscape Use of Bellwort
U. grandiflora is at home in natural areas or the wild garden, as well as in more formal plantings. Scatter clumps among low-growing ground covers, such as creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) or running foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia).
U. grandiflora does best in a lightly to moderately shaded spot in moist, fertile soil. This species rarely needs division, although it can be propagated by cutting up and moving clumps in the fall. Plants may self seed and the seedlings can be transplanted more easily than dividing established clumps. It may take a few years for transplanted clumps to get established and begin flowering.
Other Species of Bellwort
Two other species of bellwort are native to Wisconsin, but they are less commonly available than U. grandiflora.
- U. perfoliata, mealy bellwort or perfoliate bellwort, has a stem that growsthrough the base of the leaves and pale yellow flowers. It typically grows 12 to 20 inches tall and is native to woodland areas with moist soils.
- U. sessifolia, sessile bellwort or wild oats, is another Wisconsin native species. Compared to U. grandiflora, it is shorter, has smaller and paler yellow flowers with a single flower per stem.
Author: Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin—Madison
Reviewers: Allen Pyle, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW—Madison Extension
Revised: August 2026
