Campanula americana - American Bellflower

Morphology/Growth Habits: This annual/biennial wildflower is native to central and eastern North America. It boasts five-petaled, blue flowers with a distinct white ring around the center that bloom June through August. Its flowers are flat and star-shaped, showing off their long purple nectar tubes. Grows between 3-6 ft tall and 1-2 ft wide. While they may be annual or biennial (depending on when germination occurs), they are self-seeders, giving them a perennial-like presence. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms. Previously named Campanula americana.

Height: 3-6 ft.

Light: Part Sun-Part Shade

Moisture: Medium

Bloom color: Blue, purple

Bloom time: June-August

Habitat/Best Environments: Grows in moist meadows and streambanks. Can tolerate a wide variety of light and soil conditions, but thrives in partial shade and medium-moist soils, making it great for rain gardens. Tolerates clay-heavy soils as well. Best effect when mass planted.

Ecological relationships: Attracts bees, butterflies, and especially hummingbirds. *All parts of this plant are edible and have mild flavor. Leaves and root infusion used to treat coughs in Meskwaki and Haudenosaunee medicine. 

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption.