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Campanulastrum americanum
Campanulastrum americanum (L.) Small
American Bellflower, Tall Bellflower
Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
Synonym(s): Campanula americana, Campanula americana var. illinoensis
USDA Symbol: CAAM18
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A 2-6 ft., erect plant with leafy stems. The upper portion of the stem is lined with showy, lavender-blue, five-petaled flowers. Radially symmetrical, light blue to violet flowers borne singly or in clusters in axils of upper leaves and forming an elongated, spike-like cluster.
In spite of the common name and the genus name, derived from the Latin campana ("bell"), the flowers of this species are usually flat, not bell-shaped as are many others in this family. Tall Bellflower was formerly included in the genus Campanula.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 6 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MD , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , SD , TN , VA , WI , WVCanada: NB
Native Distribution: Southern Ont. & NY to MN, s. to GA & LA
Native Habitat: Moist woods; shady streams; thickets
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Rich, moist soils.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: HummingbirdsConspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Seeds germinate easily. Shallow plant the small seeds in spring for a biennial plant or fall for an annual.Seed Treatment: No treatment necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FACU | FAC | FAC | FAC |
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallyBibref 1294 - The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Campanulastrum americanum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Campanulastrum americanum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Campanulastrum americanum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-12-02Research By: TWC Staff