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Harebell Facts

Harebell Facts
Harebell (also known as bluebell) is herbaceous plant that belongs to the bellflower family. It can be found in temperate areas of North America and Eurasia. Harebell inhabits meadows, grasslands, heaths, cliffs, hillsides, areas near the roads, shorelines and sand dunes. It grows on the poor, sandy, well-drained soil. Harebell tolerates full sun, partial shade and full shade. It is common and widespread in the wild. Harebells are best known by their beautiful flowers that are often mentioned in classic and modern literature and poems. People cultivate harebells in ornamental purposes.
Interesting Harebell Facts:
Harebell is small herbaceous plant that can reach 1 to 2 feet in height.
Harebell has slender, trailing stem and thick, multi-branched rhizome.
Harebell produces two types of leaves. Round or heart-shaped leaves on long stalks can be seen at the base of the plant. They are often slightly toothed on the edges. Upper parts of the stem are covered with narrow, elongated leaves, often without stalks.
Round-shaped leaves last only short period of time. They will disappear from the stem before plant starts to bloom.
Harebell produces drooping clusters of blue-violet bell-shaped flowers (raceme inflorescence). Flowers are composed of 4, 5, 6 or 7 petals that are fused at the base. Outer parts of petals are triangular and positioned outward.
Some types of harebells produce white or pale pink flowers, but they are rarely seen in the wild.
Harebells produces bisexual flowers (they contain both types of reproductive organs) and large quantities of nectar which attracts bumblebees and bees, main pollinators of this plant. Harebell is also able to perform self-pollination.
Harebell produces flowers in the second half of the year, usually from June to October, depending on the geographic location.
Fruit of harebell is small capsule filled with miniature seed. Holes at the bottom of the capsule facilitate dispersal of the seed.
Harebell propagates via seed and via division of rhizome.
Latin name for harebell is Campanula rotundifolia. Word "campanula" means "bells" and it refers to the shape of the flowers. Word "rotundifolia" means "round-leaved" and it refers to round shape of the leaves at the base of the plant.
Harebell is also known as "witches' thimble". Unusual nickname originates from the widespread belief that witches can transform themselves into the hares using the juice extracted from the harebell flower.
Flowers of harebell were used as a source of blue dye in the past. Obtained pigment was used for the coloring of tartan.
Stem of harebell is filled with milky sap. Extract of the plant is used as herbal remedy in treatment of mild depression.
Harebell is perennial plant which means that it can survive more than 2 years in the wild.


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