Harebell

Wild Flowers:  Harebell

During the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to do high elevation trail maintenance in Colorado.  I was enthralled by the wildflowers.  I thought I would highlight some of my favorites, one at a time, so that you could learn a bit about each one.  The information comes from both my experiences and the book “Guide to Colorado Wildflowers” by G.K. Guennel.  I really found this book helpful in unmasking the identities of these beautiful flowers.  I took the pictures; they don’t do the flowers justice.  If you think my picture is good, go out and see them in person, it’s a hundred times better.  Happy Trails!

The Harebell, also known as Common Harebell, Scotch Harebell, Bluebell, Bell Flower or Witches Thimble is a member of the Bellflower Family.

The flowers are bell-shaped, nodding, to 1” long, with 5 lavender to purple, fused petals that flare at the tips and 5 short, spreading sepals.

Finding a Harebell can be done at a much lower elevation than most of the other flowers I’ve discussed.  Harebell’s can be found anywhere from foothills to alpine regions, anywhere from 6,000 to 14,000 feet in elevation.  Be sure to check on grassy slopes, in meadows and forest clearings, at the edges of woods and even on grassy tundra. 

Plan to hike anytime from June to October, weather permitting.  Happy Trails!