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Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia)

Shortia galacifolia, commonly known as Oconee Bells, is a rare and beautiful wildflower native to North America.

Common Names

• Oconee Bells
• Acony Bell
• Southern Shortia
• Little Colts-foot
• Northern Oconee-bells

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Shortia galacifolia Torrey & A. Gray
• Family: Diapensiaceae (Pincushion-Plant Family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Oconee Bells are endemic to a small region of the southern Appalachian Mountains.
• They are found in a few counties in the mountains of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
• They inhabit humid, rocky outcrops and stream banks in rich woods.

Morphological Characteristics

• Shortia galacifolia is an evergreen herbaceous perennial.
• It has round, glossy, dark green leaves that may turn bronze-red in the fall ('Winter Glaze' variety).
• The flowers are white to pale pink bells, 5-parted, sometimes nodding, and about 1 inch (25 mm) wide.
• The petals are irregularly frilly.
• Flowers are solitary and terminal on leafless flowerstalks, reaching up to 4 inches.
• Low-growing evergreen.

Quirky Facts

• Oconee Bells were thought to be lost to science for almost a century after their initial discovery in 1788 by French botanist André Michaux.
• Michaux collected the plant but did not name it.

Related Species

• Oconee Bells are related to Galax urceolata (wandflower). The leaves of both plants look similar.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides more information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Shortia galacifolia.
• Plant Delights Nursery offers Shortia galacifolia for sale.
• Dave's Garden is a community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.