Harebell, Peach-leaf Bellflower
Campanula persicifolia

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

A perennial herb. It grows 30-90 cm high and 30-38 cm wide. The stems are wiry. They arise from a rosette of narrow leaves. They are erect and do not branch. The leaves near the base are narrowly oval with blunt teeth and stalks. The upper leaves are narrow and have teeth. The flowers are open bells. They face outward and are nodding. They are blue or white and 30-40 mm long.

There are about 300 Campanula species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It does best in light to medium humus-rich soil. It needs to be well drained and in a sunny position. It is frost hardy. It grows in open woodland. It is sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Bulgaria, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, North Africa, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

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

The flowers are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown using seed or by division or from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Breskovolistna zvončnica, Kambanka, Kupa, Narrow-leafed bellflower, Peach bells, Tocservirag, Vadcsengo

Synonyms

Campanula dasycarpa Kit ex Schultes; Neocodon persicifolius (L.) Kolak. & Serdyuk; Rapunculus persicifolius (L.) Fourr.;