Mountain harebell (Campanula lasiocarpa, Linnaea 4: 39 (1829))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: Cham.

Bibliography: Linnaea 4: 39 (1829)

Year: 1829

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Campanula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Russian Far East, Japan, Alaska to NW. U.S.A.

Description

The Mountain Harebell, scientifically known as Campanula lasiocarpa, is a captivating perennial herb that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. This resilient and beautiful plant is native to a broad range of regions including the Russian Far East, Japan, and extending from Alaska to the northwestern United States. First described by Cham. in 1829 as noted in Linnaea, volume 4, page 39, the Mountain Harebell has been the subject of botanical interest for nearly two centuries.

Characterized by its delicate bell-shaped flowers, the Mountain Harebell thrives in rocky alpine and subalpine environments where it graces high-altitude meadows and slopes with its vibrant blooms. The plant typically produces an array of striking blue to violet flowers that can add a touch of color and elegance to its rugged surroundings. The finely textured, hairy leaves are another defining feature of this species, helping it to retain moisture and withstand the harsh conditions of its native habitats.

The Mountain Harebell’s ability to endure and flourish in such diverse climates is a testament to its adaptable nature. Whether enduring the intense cold of Alaskan peaks or the temperate zones of the Pacific Northwest, this plant exemplifies resilience. It also plays a role in the local ecosystems, providing a food source for various pollinators.

In horticultural circles, the Mountain Harebell is celebrated for its beauty and its modest growing requirements, making it an appealing choice for alpine and rock gardens. Gardeners, especially those who favor native plantings or aim to recreate alpine environments, find Campanula lasiocarpa a valuable addition to their plant collections.

Through its enduring presence across vast and varied landscapes, the Mountain Harebell continues to enchant botanists, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts alike, standing as a symbol of the delicate yet indomitable beauty of our natural world.

Common Names

Eng: alaska bellflower, mountain harebell, mountain bellflower, alaska harebell
Swe: beringsklocka
Fra: campanule tomenteuse
En: Mountain harebell, Alaska bellflower, Alaska harebell, Mountain bellflower
Zh: 山桔梗, 岩桔梗
Fr: Campanule tomenteuse
Is: Klettafjallaklukka
Ja: Iwa-gikyo
Sv: Beringsklocka
Zh-hant: 巖桔梗

Synonyms

• Campanula lasiocarpa f. albiflora (Tatew.)
• Campanula lasiocarpa f. duplex (Kadota)
• Campanula stelleri (Stephan ex Herd.)
• Campanula lasiocarpa var. latisepala (Hultén)
• Campanula algida (Fisch. ex A.DC.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Washington (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 14, 2020 by Julie Roth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2020 by Jean Bernier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bishop L.E. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (gpl)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by S (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 29, 2018 by René-Louis Inglebert (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (gpl)

© 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/5411731)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:140561-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Campanula lasiocarpa Cham.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth