American Bellflower

Campanulastrum americanaum (kam-pan-yoo-LAST-rum a-mer-ih-KAY-num)

Family: Campanulaceae Native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

American bellflower is an erect, annual or biennial wildflower native to moist open woods, moist meadows, streambanks, and ditches in shady areas of eastern and central North America. It grows 2 to 6 feet tall on an unbranched light green central stem. The leaves are medium to dark green, and the flowers appear solitary or in clusters of light to dark violet-blue blooms, present from mid-summer to early fall. It is a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). The American bellflower was previously known as Campanulastrum americanum , then Campanula americana , and has now been reassigned back to Campanulastrum americanum. The previous genus name, Campanula, is derived from the Latin word campana , meaning "little bell," and references bell-shaped flowers. The current genus name, Campanulastrum, refers to the flowers' modified bell shape since the blooms of American bellflower tend to be flat rather than bell-shaped; hence, the reassignment. The specific epithet, americanum , references its native origin, "of America." It is best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. They will tolerate more sun in areas that have cooler summers, but they prefer afternoon shade in hot summer climates. This bellflower will readily reseed itself in the garden and is good for naturalizing. It is a pollinator magnet that will attract many species of bees, wasps, butterflies, and hummingbirds, all searching for nectar and pollen. Biennial plants will produce a basal rosette of leaves in their first year. The following year, the stems grow erect from the basal rosette and ascend 6 feet with rough, lance-shaped, green leaves. The flowers are light blue with a pale white ring at the throat. They are flat, 5-lobed, star-shaped, and may appear solitary or in clusters at the leaf axils. Seed capsules replace the spent flowers. The American bellflower will thrive in a moist and shaded woodland where it can naturalize. Mass plantings are suggested. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Has no significant insect or disease problems. Monitor for snails, slugs, and aphids.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 61 attributes.