Milky bellflower (Campanula lactiflora, Fl. Taur.-Caucas. 1: 153 (1808))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: M.Bieb.

Bibliography: Fl. Taur.-Caucas. 1: 153 (1808)

Year: 1808

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Campanula

Vegetable: False

Observations: NE. Türkiye to NW. Iran

Description

The Milky bellflower, scientifically known as Campanula lactiflora, is a captivating and resilient member of the Campanulaceae family. First documented in 1808 in the “Flora Taurico-Caucasica” (Fl. Taur.-Caucas.) on page 153 by the botanist M. Bieb., this perennial flower has garnered attention for its elegant beauty and robust growing habits.

Native to the northeastern regions of Turkey extending to the northwestern parts of Iran, the Milky bellflower thrives in a variety of habitats. It typically flourishes in mountainous areas, where it can be found gracing meadows and open woodlands with its tall, erect stems adorned with clusters of bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms are typically milky-white, although variations in shades may occur, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal.

The Campanula lactiflora exhibits a generous blooming period, contributing to its popularity in garden landscapes. Gardeners value this species not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its hardiness and ability to attract pollinators, making it an excellent choice for creating vibrant and biodiverse plantings.

In summary, the Milky bellflower is a notable and aesthetically pleasing wildflower that captures the essence of the diverse flora found in the transitional zones between Northeast Turkey and Northwest Iran. Its long history of recognition in botanical literature underscores its importance and enduring appeal among plant enthusiasts and ecologists alike.

Common Names

Swe: gurka, indianstarr, melon, pumpa, mjölkklocka
Dan: melon, mælke-klokke
Eng: milky bellflower
Deu: riesen-dolden-glockenblume
Nob: melkeklokke
Nno: mjølkeklokke
Nld: celtisbladklokje
Cym: clychlys gwelw
En: Milky Bellflower
Da: Melon, Mælke-klokke
Nl: Celtisbladklokje
De: Riesen-Dolden-Glockenblume
Nb: Melkeklokke
Nn: Mjølkeklokke
Sv: Gurka, Indianstarr, Melon, Pumpa, Mjölkklocka
Cy: Clychlys Gwelw
: Milky bellflower

Synonyms

• Campanula volubilis (Willd. ex Schult.)
• Campanula lactiflora var. hirta (K.Koch)
• Gadellia biserrata ((K.Koch) A.P.Khokhr.)
• Campanula lactiflora var. glabriuscula (K.Koch)
• Campanula biserrata (K.Koch)
• Gadellia lactiflora ((M.Bieb.) Schulkina)
• Campanula celtidifolia (Boiss.)
• Campanula lactiflora f. coerulea (Voss)
• Campanula lactiflora var. pilosa (Trautv.)
• Campanula lactiflora var. olympica (Griseb.)
• Campanula lactiflora var. glabra (Trautv.)

Distribution

• Iran (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by hacer akbulut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Pankgraf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Sofie Gustafsson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Sofie Gustafsson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by christophe.saillard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Hmdy Akn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by david drew (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Pour Demos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5411392)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:140535-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Campanula lactiflora M.Bieb.)

Specifications

Growth