woodland wildflower
Oconee bells
Shortia galacifolia
Also known as Oconee-bells, Shortia
1 of 2Native to Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
Locally in a few Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina cos.
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moisture preference
- Zones 6–8 Cold to heat range
- Bloom Mar–Apr Flowering time
- Height up to 4 in to 10 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for partial shade. Its white flowers peak in March. At up to 4 in, it tucks into shade gardens and woodland edges. Hardy in USDA zones 6–8.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Hardiness zones
Find your zone:
When it blooms
The Oconee bells's white flowers bloom March to April, peaking in March. This early-spring ephemeral draws bees.
Oconee bells blooms whiteFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Western Honey Bee
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Georgia, North Carolina, and South CarolinaUnited States (3): GA, NC, SC. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Locally in a few Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina cos.The same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6–8The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
- Soil
- Well-drained, acid, humus-rich soilThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 4 in (to 10 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Mar–AprWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- WhiteThe bloom color, or colors.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.