Oconee Bell
Shortia galacifolia
Blooms March to April
This is a rare flower of the southern Appalachians found only in a few locations in the mountains of NC, SC and GA., in moist woods along streams. Though it has a very limited range in the wild it grows well in gardens and is commercially available.
Just a simple flower so small and plain
With a pearly hue and a little known name
But the yellow birds sing when they see it bloom
For they know that spring is coming soon.
(From "Acony Bell", by
Gillian
Welch and David Rawlings)
NC range of Shortia galacifolia