In this episode of Nature of the Upstate, we explore Shortia galacifolia, also known as the Oconee Bell. This rare flower is found only in a few spots in the Upstate, and searching for it during its brief bloom has become a yearly tradition for some. We’ll discuss its biology, the story of its re-discovery, and the conservation challenges it faces today.

References: 

https://www.appalachianhistory.net/2018/03/the-long-trail-of-shortia-part-1-of-2.html

https://www.appalachianhistory.net/2018/03/the-long-trail-of-shortia-part-2-of-2.html

Fox, S. J., Eberth, L., Rogers, S. M., Stetler, H. C., Gabbard, B. L., White, E. E., & Morris, A. B. (2024). The importance of understanding clonal structure for species listing and recovery: Case studies from the rare Oconee bells (Shortia brevistyla and Shortia galacifolia; Diapensiaceae) and the federally endangered bunched arrowhead (Sagittaria fasciculata; Alismataceae). Conservation Genetics.

https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/shortia/galacifolia/

https://highsouthadventures.com/Blue%20Ridge%20Escarpment.html

https://www.huh.harvard.edu/book/shortia-galacifolia

https://www.idigbio.org/content/portal-curiosities-asa-gray-and-quest-shortia-galacifolia-%E2%80%93-case-study-importance

https://ourwildyard.com/oconee-bell-flower-shortia-galacifolia/

 https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/shortia-galacifolia/