The Lily family includes such well-known plants as tulips, onions, asparagus and many wildflowers such as trilliums, solomon's seal and our bellworts. There are four species to collect and all are very worthy plants for the woodland garden. Two species of merrybells are commonly found growing locally in our woods. The large-flowered bellwort, Uvularia grandiflora , is the most showy of the two local species and the first one planted in my garden. It is also the one you are most likely to find in the woods as well as some wildflower and perennial nurseries.
Flowers are a quiet, light yellow, about two inches in length and slightly twisted.
Foliage is medium to pale green, sometimes with a yellowish cast. The underside of the foliage will have a whitish down. The stems are stiff with few leaves until near the top. The stem then branches, drooping over to become a hanger for the flower. I have found that in nature they have a somewhat open growth habit and not as showy as when planted in the garden.