The hardened landscape of the Inland Northwest, baked in summer and frozen in winter, is softened each spring by an abundance of wildflowers. So many of these spring wildflowers appear tender and fragile, seemingly out of place and yet a vibrant component of the land none the less. Among these many plants you will find yellow bells (Fritillaria pudica) with their small flowers nodding stoically, heralds of spring, like wild daffodils, lifting spirits after a long winter. From southern British Columbia to northeast California, through Idaho, Montana and western Wyoming, yellow bells are found in the shrub-steppe that characterize this part of the country, the iconic sagebrush (Artemisia sp.) habitat, and also open ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) habitat where these towering trees meet the shrub-steppe. Among such robust and gnarled neighbors, the species name “pudica”, translating to shy or modest, seems well suited to yellow bells. It reflects the downcast view taken by the pendulous flowers, their diminutive size and fleeting nature. But I don’t really consider yellow bells to be shy or modest. They are brilliant. Massed, they make a loud statement which is amplified all the more for being made by such a plant in such a landscape.