Fairies' thimbles
Campanula cochleariifolia

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

A creeping herb with fleshy stems. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 10 cm high and spreads 50 cm wide. The stems are creeping and underground. It forms a tight clump of small rounded leaves. The leaves are 2 cm across. The flowers are bell shaped. They are blue and hang from wiry stems.

There are about 300 Campanula species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in the European alps. It often grows in cracks in rocks. It needs light to medium humus-rich soils and a protected sunny position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Europe, Slovenia

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. The flowers are eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by division.

Its other names

Local names

Trebušasta zvončnica

Synonyms

Campanula bellardii All.; Campanula cochleariifolia var. (many); Campanula compacta Hegetschw.; Campanula foudrasii Jord.; Campanula pusilla Haenke; and others