Broadleaf harebell (Campanula rhomboidalis, Sp. Pl.: 165 (1753))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 165 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Campanula

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: France (Jura), SW. & C. Alps

Description

The Broadleaf harebell, scientifically known as Campanula rhomboidalis, is a captivating perennial herb that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. Described in the seminal work Species Plantarum in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant has since been a subject of keen botanical interest and admiration.

Native to Europe, the Broadleaf harebell thrives predominantly in the diverse regions of France, particularly in the Jura mountains, as well as the southwestern and central Alps. Its presence in these mountainous terrains highlights its adaptability and resilience in rugged, often challenging, environments.

Campanula rhomboidalis is easily recognizable by its distinctive broad, rhomboid-shaped leaves, which contrast with the more common slender, bell-shaped leaves of other harebells. These leaves are arranged alternately along slender stems, contributing to the plant’s delicate yet sturdy appearance. The plant produces eye-catching, bell-shaped flowers that range in color from soft violet to rich blue, adding a touch of elegance to alpine meadows and rocky slopes where it commonly grows.

This species is not only admired for its aesthetic appeal but also for its role in the local ecosystem. The Broadleaf harebell provides nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby supporting the biodiversity of its native habitats.

Given its historical documentation and natural beauty, Campanula rhomboidalis continues to be a beloved specimen for both botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. Its lush, rhomboid foliage and charming blooms make it a noteworthy member of the Campanulaceae family and a true gem of the alpine flora.

Common Names

Eng: broad-leaved harebell, broadleaf harebell
Deu: rautenblättrige glockenblume, rhomben-glockenblume
Swe: styvklocka
Ces: zvonek kosníkovitý
Nld: bergklokje
Cym: clychlys llydanddail
En: Broadleaf harebell, Broad-leaved Harebell, Rhomboid-leaved Bellflower
Cs: Zvonek kosníkovitý
Nl: Bergklokje
Fi: Keijunkello
Fr: Campanule à feuilles en losange, Campanule à feuilles losangiques, Campanule à feuilles rhomboïdales, Campanule rhomboïdale
De: Rautenblättrige Glockenblume, Rhomben-Glockenblume
It: Campanula romboidale
Sv: Styvklocka
Cy: Clychlys Llydanddail

Synonyms

• Campanula rhomboidalis var. songeonii ((Chabert) Chabert)
• Campanula rhomboidalis f. cordifolia (Witasek ex Vacc.)
• Campanula rhomboidalis subvar. hispida ((St.-Lag.) Rouy)
• Campanula rhomboidalis f. macrophylla (Vacc.)
• Campanula rotundifolia subsp. rhomboidalis ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Campanula songeonii (Chabert)
• Campanula rhomboidalis var. pilosa (Vacc.)
• Campanula rotundifolia var. songeonii ((Chabert) Bonnier)
• Campanula rhomboidalis var. villosa (Wohlf.)
• Campanula rhomboidalis var. goudetiana (P.Beauv.)
• Campanula venosa (Willd.)
• Campanula rhomboidalis var. tuberosa (Chabert)
• Campanula rhomboidalis f. reflexa ((A.DC.) Voss)
• Campanula rhomboidalis f. rubra ((Anon.) Voss)
• Campanula rhomboidalis var. glabrescens (Vacc.)
• Campanula rhomboidalis var. calycina (Chabert)
• Campanula rhomboidalis var. hispida (St.-Lag.)
• Campanula rhomboidalis var. polypetala (A.DC.)
• Campanula rhomboidalis var. reflexa (A.DC.)
• Campanula rubra (Anon.)
• Campanula rhomboidalis f. microphylla (Vacc.)
• Campanula rhomboidalis f. paniculata (Vacc.)
• Campanula rhomboidalis var. uniflora (Gaudin)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)

Additional Images

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

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

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

Flower

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Didier BENARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 2, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Jiří Žanda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Manu___ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Christine DELBOUIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Géraldine Delatouche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5410480)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:140981-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Campanula rhomboidalis L.)

Specifications

Growth