Common Harebell

Common harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) is a slender perennial in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). It blooms from montane to alpine in Banff National Park; delicate blue-purple bells nodding on thin stems.

Identification: Slender perennial (10–40 cm); round basal leaves (often withering by bloom) and narrow stem leaves; bell-shaped, five-lobed blue-purple flowers (1–2 cm) nodding at stem tips. “Harebell” refers to the delicate, nodding bells.

Habitat: Montane to alpine; meadows, open forests, rock outcrops, and slopes. Often with fireweed, Indian paintbrush, and heart-leaved arnica. Blooms June to September.

Viewing: Common along the Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise meadows, and subalpine trails. Peak bloom mid-July to mid-August. Do not pick; flowers are delicate and slow to recover.