Shortia galacifolia
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- SHORE-tee-uh guh-lay-sih-FOE-lee-uh
- Description
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Oconee Bells is a rare wildflower in the Lindley family that is found in the Appalachian mountains of GA, NC and SC. It is found growing in shady conditions along stream banks, often where a disturbance has occurred. It spreads by short runners to cover and area and may have a toxic effect on surrounding vegetation. Single 1 inch white to pinkish blooms occurs in early spring.
In cultivation, this plant is used as a ground cover in the shade garden or a woodland setting. It may be slow to get established. It prefers partial shade and sandy or clay loams rich in humus.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Shortia
- Species:
- galacifolia
- Family:
- Diapensiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Distribution:
- GA, NC, SC, TN, VA
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Perennial
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- Piedmont
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Description:
- Displays from July to August.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- 1 in. white to pinkish flowers on 3 to 6 in. stalk; five irregularly toothed petals. Blooms March-April.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Leaf Shape:
- Orbicular
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Undulate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- .75 to 2.5 in. oval to roundish shiny leaves with wavy teeth; long-stalked, heart-shaped base. Turn bronze in fall.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Pond
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Shade Garden
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
