SafePlants

Rampion Bellflower: A Versatile Plant

Campanula rapunculus, commonly known as rampion bellflower, rampion, or rover bellflower, is a fascinating plant with a rich history.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has tuberous roots.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has tuberous roots.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Campanula rapunculus
• Common Names: Rampion bellflower, rampion, rover bellflower
• Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
• It can be found in fields and woods.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Campanula rapunculus is a biennial vegetable.
• It is a herb, a vegetable and a flower all rolled into one plant.
• Roots resemble a pale parsnip or an unfinished mooli.
• Flowers are small, funnel-shaped, blue or white.

Ecological Role

• Campanula rapunculoides (Creeping Bellflower), sometimes referred to as rampion bellflower, is considered an introduced invasive species in some regions.

Synonyms and Related Species

• The name "Rampion bellflower" can also refer to Campanula rapunculoides (Creeping Bellflower).
• Other species in the Campanula genus include:
  • Campanula lusitanica
  • Campanula verruculosa
  • Campanula elatior

Historical and Traditional Uses

• The plant has an edible tuberous root and the leaves are also edible.
• Formerly regularly cultivated in kitchen gardens.
• Once widely grown as a vegetable.

Quirky Facts

• The fairytale character Rapunzel was named after the rampion bellflower.