Weyand, Phyllis
Campanula rotundifolia L.
Bluebell bellflower, Bluebell-of-Scotland, Harebell
Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
A delicate
perennial with graceful, slender stems, usually in clusters, rising in height from 4-15 in. The stems can be weak so that the
entire plant bends over. Its rounded, basal leaves wither early while the narrow,
stem leaves remain. Blue-violet bell-shaped flowers hang singly or in clusters along the top parts of nodding, thread-like, mostly unbranched stems that grow in small patches. The nodding, bell-shaped, lavender flowers are borne in loose clusters at
stem tips.
The
genus name, from the Latin
campana (bell), means little bell. The name Harebell may allude to an association with witches, who were believed able to transform themselves into hares, portents of bad luck when they crossed a persons path. In Scotland, another old name for this plant was Witches Thimble. The characteristics of this
perennial vary considerably, depending on habitat conditions. Among other common species are the Southern Harebell (
C. divaricata), with wider leaves and smaller, white or pale lavender flowers, typical of wet, grassy meadows. The common garden Bellflower (
C. rapunculoides), which frequently escapes from cultivation, has flowers usually borne on one side of the stems and
lanceolate or heart-shaped leaves.
Image Gallery:
19 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , CT , ID , IL , IN , IA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MO , MT , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OR , PA , SD , TN , TX , UT , VT , VA , WA , WV , WI , WY
Canada: AB ,
BC ,
MB ,
NB ,
NL ,
NS ,
ON ,
QC ,
SK Native Distribution: Circumpolar, s. to MD, n. IN, n.e. IA, NE & n. CA; also s. in mts. to TX & n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Moist, rocky, mt. slopes; dry meadows & prairies; open woods; limey cliffs; beaches
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Harebell is easily cultured and does well in a variety of sites including rock gardens. Flowers are long lasting.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Hummingbirds
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Last Update: 2009-02-19
