As the snows melt out in the hills, we hike out on the damp ground and we may spot the first wildflowers of late winter/early spring. Sagebrush buttercups are usually first, but yellow bells are in the second group, a small, but elegant flower that graces the grasslands on the sides of our trails.
- Fritillaria pudica is a member of the lily family, a perennial growing from small bulbs.
- Flowers are yellow and bell-shaped. The upper stem curves so that the flowers are pendulant/drooping.
- Two or more smooth, narrow (sometimes lanceolate) leaves branch off (often a whorl of leaves) about halfway up the stem.
- The short-lived yellow flowers usually have a brown-purple stripe near the base, and as the flowers start to fade, they start to turn to orange/red.
More Details:
- After flowering, the fruits/seeds are borne in cylindrical capsules.
- Many flattish seeds are produced.
- Yellow bells can be found in our low to middle elevation grasslands, in open forests, and on dry valley hillsides in early spring.
- The bulbs are edible and were harvested by some First Nations people.
- Yellow bells bulbs can also be planted in home gardens, grown from seed or from purchased bulbs.
- Note – Each post on this site is meant to be a living document, that, is, it is designed to be edited, improved, corrected, and added to over time. We will photograph new flowers and add to the galleries over time. Your comments and/or submissions are welcomed.
- Paul Handford has kindly provided a number of images of maturing yellow bells. They can be seen at this link – Maturing Yellow Bells
