Bellwort, Sessileleaf bellwort

Uvularia sessilifolia

Physical Characteristics

Uvularia sessilifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern and southeastern N. America - New Brunswick to Ontario, south to Georgia and Arkansas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked[2, 61, 105, 161, 257]. The shoots are harvested when they are still tender enough to be broken off with a fingernail and are used as an asparagus substitute[46, 183]. Root - cooked[22, 46, 61, 105, 183] or used in diet drinks[183, 207].

Medicinal Uses

Blood tonic Poultice A tea made from the roots is a blood purifier and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[222, 257]. It is taken internally to aid in healing broken bones[222]. A poultice of the roots is applied to broken bones, boils etc[222, 257].

Known Hazards

None known