American Harebell

American Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)

Hi there! I’m the American Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), a charming native known for my bell-shaped purple flowers. You might recognize me as the well-behaved cousin of the Creeping Bellflower, who’s a bit of a rebel in our family and notoriously untamed. Unlike my adventurous relatives, I’m not invasive in North America—I’ve grown up here and fit right in anywhere because I am not too picky.

I’m a pretty adaptable little plant, calling prairies, cliffs, beaches, and even forests my home. At just about 1 foot tall, I may be small, but I am still mighty! I’m both deer and drought-tolerant, making me a resilient companion. Spend some time with me, and you’ll notice how loved I am by many different bees and other pollinators. There is a rumour that hummingbirds like me too, but in my experience they visit my friend the Cardinal Flower much more.

If you’d like me to brighten your garden, simply sow my tiny seeds on the surface of the soil during late fall, and I’ll happily take root. People adore my dainty blooms, often saying they look like tiny fairy hats—and you know what? I’m starting to see it too. Not to brag, but I think I’d make a delightful addition to any garden.