No, these aren't wilted. This is how the Bellwort grows! There are Large Bellwort (uvularia grandiflora) and Small Bellwort. At first I was going to identify these as Large but Large Bellwort grows 18" tall! These are much smaller. As far as Missouri goes, the Small Bellwort grows only in the southern part of the state.
Bellwort blooms from April to May. The window isn't a very big one to see these. With as warm as it has been I wouldn't be surprised if they are already done for the year here in the Ozarks.
According to Ozark Wildflowers: A Falcon Guide by Don Kurz (my wildflower bible!!!):
Early settlers cooked the upper stem and leaves as greens. the upper stems served as a substitute for asparagus. Canker sores in the mouth were treated with a concoction made from the roots.
Bellworts are common in mesic woods. These were all found along the Jacks Fork River.
Thanks for stopping by and learning a bit about Missouri's native wildflowers!
