Bats-in-the-belfry (Campanula trachelium, Sp. Pl.: 166 (1753))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 166 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Campanula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to C. Asia, Medit to Iran

Description

Bats-in-the-belfry, known scientifically as Campanula trachelium, is a fascinating and beautiful plant belonging to the family Campanulaceae. First described in the seminal botanical work Species Plantarum in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus (indicated by the abbreviation “L.”), this plant has since captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Native to a broad geographical area, Bats-in-the-belfry is found across Europe and extends eastwards to Central Asia. Its range also spans the Mediterranean region and reaches as far as Iran, showcasing its adaptability to different climates and environments.

Characterized by its bell-shaped flowers, which contribute to its common name, Campanula trachelium displays vibrant hues that can add a striking visual appeal to any garden or natural setting. These flowers not only attract human admiration but also serve as a valuable nectar source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

The plant typically thrives in woodland areas and meadows, preferring partially shaded spots where it can attain optimal growth. It has a robust nature, often found in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Gardeners appreciate Bats-in-the-belfry for its resilience and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned horticulturists.

In addition to its aesthetic and ecological contributions, Campanula trachelium is also noted for its historical use in herbal medicine. Various parts of the plant were traditionally employed to treat a range of ailments, although modern scientific validation of these uses is limited.

Overall, Bats-in-the-belfry stands out both for its beauty and its storied presence in various regions across Eurasia. Whether observed in its natural habitat or cultivated in a garden, this plant continues to inspire and delight those who encounter it.

Common Names

Eng: bats in the belfry, bats-in-the-belfry, nettle-leaf bellflower, nettle-leaved bellflower, throatwort
Deu: nesselblättrige glockenblume
Dan: nælde-klokke, nældebladet klokke
Fra: campanule gantelée, campanule rude, campanule à feuilles d’ortie, herbe aux tranchées
Nob: nesleklokke
Nno: nesleklokke
Swe: nässelklocka, varsankello
Nld: ruig klokje
Fin: varsankello
Cym: clychlys dail danadl, clychlys danadl, clychlys dynad-ddail, clychlys glasgoch, ystlumod yn y clochdy
En: Bats-in-the-belfry, Throatwort, Nettle-leaf bellflower, Nettle-leaved Bellflower, Bats in the belfry, Blue Foxglove
Ar: جريس خشن
Be: Званочак крапівалісты
Bg: Коприволистна камбанка
Ca: Campaneta d’ortiga, Campaneta a fulla d’ortiga, Campaneta de bosc, Campaneta traqueli
Cs: Zvonek kopřivolistý
Da: Nældeklokke, Nælde-klokke, Nældebladet klokke
Nl: Ruig klokje
Et: Nõgeselehine kellukas
Fi: Varsankello
Fr: Campanule gantelée, Campanule rude, Campanule à feuilles d’ortie, Herbe aux tranchées, Gant-de-Notre-Dame, Gantelée, Ortie bleue
De: Nesselblättrige Glockenblume, Brennesselblättrige Glockenblume, Nessel-Glockenblume
Hu: Csalánlevelű harangvirág
Is: Skógarklukka
Ga: Scornlus
It: Campanula selvatica, Imbutini
Lt: Dilgialapis katilėlis
No: Nesleklokke
Nb: Nesleklokke
Nn: Nesleklokke
Fa: گل استکانی شابیلی
Pl: Dzwonek, Dzwonek pokrzywolistny
Ru: Колокольчик крапиволистный
Sk: Zvonček pŕhľavolistý
Sv: Nässelklocka, Varsankello
Cy: Clychlys dail danadl, Clychlys Danadl, Clychlys Dynad-Ddail, Clychlys Glasgoch, Ystlumod Yn y Clochdy

Synonyms

• Drymocodon trachelium ((L.) Fourr.)
• Trachelioides vulgaris (Opiz)
• Campanula serratifolia var. ciliatosepala (Vuk.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Sakhalin (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 11, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 9, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 24, 2022 by Lars Mannzen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by mrostf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Thibault Romain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by emmanuel DALLIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Aug 6, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Jos Gebhard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2017 by chory (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Anny RAIM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Michel DEPEYRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Stoane (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Stoane (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5412014)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:141236-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Campanula trachelium L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 6