BLUEBELL FAMILY
Reading edition
Purple Bellflower Campanula Parryi
Plate 36, fig. 1
The blossoms of the Purple Bellflower grow singly at the tips of slender stems and bloom in midsummer. They do not droop, as do many of the bluebells. They are found in mountain meadows at 7000-10000 ft. The plants are unbranched and small, growing but 4-12 in. tall. The name of the genus, Campanula, means “little bell.”
Bluebell, Harebell Campanula rotundifolia
Plate 36, fig. 2
The purple-blue flowers of the Bluebell droop gracefully at intervals along their slender stems and bloom all summer long. The plants grow but a few inches tall in the alpine regions where each bears but a single blossom, but they are sometimes 3 ft. high at lower altitudes, especially in the shade. They are found on foothills and in mountain meadows and aspen woodlands at 6000-13000 ft. This species is the true Bluebell of Scotland.
Alpine Bluebell Campanula uniflora
Plate 36, fig. 6
The Alpine Bluebell is a tiny plant, growing but 2-5 in. tall on account of the effect of the high altitudes at which it lives. The 58 single blossom is a deep purple-blue and hangs from the tip of the fragile stem. The botanical name of the species means “one-flowered.” The plants bloom in early summer and must be sought in alpine meadows at 11000-14000 ft.