Oconee Bells

Oconee Bells [Shortia galacifolia] viewed on 4 April 2016 atThe Botanical Gardens at Asheville. It’s a member of the Diapensia (Diapensiaceae) family. Timothy P. Spira’s Wildflowers & Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains & Piedmont, page 438, states that it flowers from March to April, and bears fruit July through August. It’s also stated:

About 60 percent of the population of Oconee Bells were lost due to the construction of 2 large reservoirs in South Carolina, the Jocassee and the Keowee, in the 1960s. In spite of its limited natural distribution, some fairly large populations persist in the wild.

The USDA map shows it being native in only five states: Connecticut, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

USDA Plants Link: Shortia galacifolia

Oconee Bells at UNCA Botanical Gardens - 4 April 2016

Oconee Bells at UNCA Botanical Gardens – 4 April 2016

Oconee Bells - 4 April 2016

Oconee Bells – 4 April 2016

Oconee Bells (multiple) - 4 April 2016

Oconee Bells (multiple) – 4 April 2016

Oconee Bells (closer) - 4 April 2016

Oconee Bells (closer) – 4 April 2016