Herb: Bellwort


Latin name: Uvularia perfoliata


Family: Uvulariaceae



Medicinal use of Bellwort:

The root is used as a poultice or salve in the treatment of boils, wounds and ulcers. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of coughs, sore mouths and throats, inflamed gums and snakebites. It is suitable for use by children. An infusion of the crushed roots has been used as a wash to treat sore eyes.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
40 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Moist woodland and scrub in acid to circumneutral soils.

Edible parts of Bellwort:

Young shoots - cooked. They are a very good substitute for asparagus. Root - cooked.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division after the plants die down in late summer. It is best carried out in early spring before the plants flower. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the following spring.

Cultivation of Bellwort:

Moist woodland and scrub in acid to circumneutral soils.

Known hazards of Uvularia perfoliata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.