Vascular Plants of North Carolina
Account for Perfoliate Bellwort - Uvularia perfoliata   L.
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Section 5 » Order Liliales » Family Colchicaceae
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AuthorL.
DistributionOccurs throughout the Mountains and Piedmont, known from all counties in those provinces. Ranges east into the extreme western edge of the Coastal Plain, but it is essentially absent from this province and the Sandhills proper.

This is an Eastern species, occurring from NH, NY, and OH south into western FL and eastern TX. Unlike U. grandiflora, this species is absent from areas west of central OH and KY.
AbundanceCommon and widespread across the Mountains and Piedmont; rare along the western fringe of the Coastal Plain. This is one of the most often encountered lily species in these regions.
HabitatThis species occurs in a variety of hardwood and mixed forests, typically in mesic soil conditions, such as on wooded slopes. It occurs in bottomland forests and on very rich slopes, but it is not usually found in overly dry, sandy, or rocky sites.
PhenologyBlooms from early April to early May, and fruits from June into August.
IdentificationThis wildflower needs little introduction to outdoor enthusiasts, as it is often seen on forest walks. It grows to about 1 foot tall, with a few branches off the main stem. The scattered leaves are elliptical, entire, and about 2-3 inches long, with the stem piercing the leaves near the base (i.e., perfoliate). The numerous light yellow flowers dangle downward, with the 6 tepals being 0.7-1-inch long. The species somewhat resembles the montane U. grandiflora, but that species is larger in stature, larger in flower, and the flowers are a richer golden-yellow. In addition, that larger species has tepals that are smooth on the inside/top, and the leaves are somewhat hairy or at least pubescent below. This is one of the more easily found of the spring wildflowers on a forest walk in the mountains and Piedmont, along with several other lilies such as False Solomon's-seal (Maianthemum racemosum) and Smooth Solomon's-seal (Polygonatum biflorum).
Taxonomic CommentsNone

Other Common Name(s)None
State RankS5
Global RankG5
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