plant-banner1

NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Shortia galacifolia

Shortia, Oconee Bells

Scientific Name:

Shortia galacifolia

Genus:

Shortia

Species Epithet:

galacifolia

Common Name:

Shortia, Oconee Bells

Plant Type

Herb/Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Diapensiaceae (Diapensia Family)

Native/Alien:

NC Native

Size:

0-1 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

White

Light:

Less than 2 hours of sun per day

Soil Moisture:

Moist

Bloom Time:

March, April, July, August

Growing Area:

Mountains

Habitat Description:

On moist slopes, creekbanks, and rock outcrops in humid escarpment gorges with high rainfall, generally in deep shade under Rhododendron maximum, at elevations of 350-550m. Rare in NC Mountains.

Leaf Arrangement:

Basal

Leaf Retention:

Evergreen

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Simple

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Has some wildlife value

Landscape Value:

Suitable for home landscapes

State Rank:

S2: Imperiled (*Key)

Global Rank:

G3 - Vulnerable (*Key)

State Status:

SC-V: Special Concern: Vulnerable, Exploited, Endemic (*Key)

Notes:

This species occurs in Transylvania and Jackson counties, NC, Oconee and Pickens counties, SC, and Rabun County, GA, where it occurs in the remarkable escarpment gorges region, at elevations from 200-650m (formerly at lower elevations, now submerged under Lake Jocassee). Most of the population of this species, including the type locality, was destroyed in the early 1960's by the construction of Lake Jocassee (Zahner & Jones 1983).

Blossom

A good picture of this lovely complex bloom!

image

© Jean Woods

Bank of Plants

image

outside Brevard, April 2002

Clump of Plants

image

Black Mountain
© MB Baumeister

Seed Capsules

image

Foliage and Seed Capsule

See the new growth's reddish tint. The similarity to galax foliage is plain.

image

Black Mountain
© MB Baumeister

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Flora of North America 
 



Permalink - (right click to save this page to your bookmarks)

<<< PREVIOUS

NEXT >>>

back to top
go to plant details search
go to plant images search
go to gallery home
back to Initial s Gallery
back to orchids
back to Carnivorous Plants
back to Trilliums