Harebell Facts | Wildlife & Flora in the Cotswolds
Harebell, also known as the Scottish bluebell, is one of the flowers that produce its beautiful violet-blue flowers through the summer and into the fall. It has a circumpolar distribution, found throughout the northern hemisphere from the Mediterranean to the Arctic.
A perennial flowering species, it can range in height from 11 to 23 inches and develops a nodding blue or lavender-colored bloom typically measuring 0.7 to 1.1 inches in length. The flowers can hang along or sometimes form small clusters along the top part of the stem, and white or pink variations can occur.
The harebell prefers dry nutrient-poor soils and can often be found in cracks in walls or cliff faces or across well-drained grasslands and heaths. Pollination occurs primarily through bees, but flowers can self-pollinate in high densities.
An iconic species that has been featured in art throughout the world for centuries, it is also notably edible and features a high vitamin C content, making it the perfect addition to a salad.
Photograph Flora & Fauna in the UK
The Cotswolds: Exploring English Nature
Wander ancient beech forests and wildflower meadows, follow hedgerows and trout-filled streams, tour private gardens and meet artisan food producers, in an idyllic landscape with a focus on native habitats and conservation.
