Approximately 15 seeds per packet
Collected: 2024
Packaged: 2025
Germination code: ✂ C90

Please refer to our germination codes and growing information for recommendations and tips.

Abrasive scarification recommended: Gently nick seed’s outer hard coat or edge of seed lightly by rubbing with sandpaper, an abrasive file, or a nail clipper.

Cold treatment recommended: this species requires a minimum of 90 days of cold moist stratification to help break its natural dormancy and encourage germination. Alternatively, sow untreated seeds in outdoor containers in the fall or early winter, with germination occuring sporadically in the spring or subsequent years. If seed is untreated by January, we recommend doing artificial moist treatment in the fridge as seeds likely wont have enough time to be naturally scarified/stratified outdoors in containers. A combination of artificial scarification and stratification seems to greatly increase chances of germination.

Larger seeds appreciate being covered by a layer of soil or buried when sown to aid in germination. A general rule of thumb is to cover them with a layer of soil no more than two to three times their width.

Smallanthus uvedalia (Bear's foot) Seed Packet

$5.00

Virginia ecotype
Name: Smallanthus uvedalia (Bear's foot)
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Upright, clumping, naturalizing
Size: 3 - 8 ft. tall, half as wide
Flowering time: July - September
Bloom color: Yellow
Habitat: Ditches, streambanks, woodland edges, meadows
Light: Full sun to shade
Moisture: Medium to moist, well draining
Soils: Clay, sand, loam
Uses: shade gardens, woodland gardens, cottage gardens, rain gardens, pollinator gardens, back of garden bed

Smallanthus uvedalia, commonly known as bear's foot, hairy leafcup, or yellow leafcup, is a robust upright perennial. It's typically found in rich, moist soils along woodland edges, riverbanks, and disturbed areas. The plant can grow to impressive heights of 3 to 8 feet, even in shade, with hollow stalks that branch sparsely. Its most distinctive feature are the large, oak-like leaves, which resemble a bear's footprint—hence one common name. The leaves have a rough, hairy texture, and the petiole is winged, forming a small cup around the stem, hence leafcup is another name for this plant.

During the summer months, Smallanthus uvedalia produces clusters of bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms. Each flower is an attractive nectar source for bees, moths, butterflies, and wasps, among other pollinators. The hollow stems provide winter habitat for stem-dwelling insects. The species is host for a couple of moths. The plant's seeds are large, like sunflower seeds, which are eaten by some birds.

Bear foot's vigorous growth, fibrous root system, and adaptability to various soils makes it a viable choice for erosion control and habitat restoration. This species is not commonly sold or used in traditional gardens, but its bold foliage and striking flowers provide a unique appeal in naturalized settings, cottage gardens, shade and woodland plantings, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

See species native range (via BONAP)
Seeds sold by WBN as packets are harvested and cleaned from plants grown in our Virginia nursery and wildflower garden. These plants are grown from seed sourced from wild populations. We document the county locality of ecotypes, with Virginia ecotypes often being sourced within 100 miles of Richmond, VA. Some plants that provide our seed stock are sourced from local growers of Virginia (and neighboring state) provenance native species.

Because our seed is harvested, cleaned, and carefully selected by hand, packets may contain trace amounts of chaff and inert plant material such as dried petals, small leaves or bits of stem, and fibers or fluff still attached. This material is harmless to seeds and won't impact germination. We guarantee each packet contains at least the number of seeds listed, usually more.
All sales of plants and seeds are final.

WBN will never knowingly sell plants or seeds that do not reach or exceed our high standards. We want to help you produce strong and healthy plants that will thrive in your garden and support native insects and wildlife. Some species do have lower germination rates or are difficult to propagate by seed, and we will make that known if that is our experience or the experience of others.

Generally it is recommended to sow seeds within 1-3 years of collection. Some seeds can remain viable for decades, especially with proper storage. In most cases, native seeds should be stored indoors in paper or glassine bags or paper envelopes in places with low to average humidity, in room temperature or colder, with limited sun exposure.

Because we collect and prepare seeds by hand, some packets may include chaff and other inert plant material like dried petals. This poses no risk to seed germination, viability or storage. We also carefully account for this additional material when preparing our seeds to ensure each packet includes at least the number of seeds indicated.

Got questions? Ask us! We are aways happy to provide advice on germinating, growing, or planting any species.
Seeds (regardless of quantity) are shipped in a padded biodegradable mailer to protect seeds during shipping. All packets come with a printed booklet of our seed germination codes and growing tips.

Once your order ships, we will provide a tracking number to the email provided at the time of order. Orders are shipped to the mailing address provided at checkout. Please ensure your mailing information is correct at time of order.

We will usually pack seed orders within 12 - 24 hours of receipt and ship within 1 - 3 business days. Items generally arrive within 5 days of shipment.

If you believe that any items are missing from your order, please email us ASAP. Any missing items will be sent free of charge.

Free local pickup of seed orders is possible. Please email us and we can arrange for pick-up.

Smallanthus uvedalia (Bear's foot) Seed Packet

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