The genus Campanula consists of approximately 420 annual, perennial, and biennial herbs that are native to northern temperate regions, Mediterranean areas, and tropical mountains. These plants are characterized by their bell-shaped flowers, which are typically blue in color. Bellflowers are commonly grown as ornamental plants in gardens. The American bellflower, found in moist woodlands in North America, can grow up to 2 meters high and has saucer-shaped flowers with long curved styles. Other species include the Carpathian harebell, which forms clumps in meadows and woodlands in Eastern Europe, and Fairy thimbles, which form loosely open mats on alpine screes. Some species, such as the Bethlehem stars, are grown as pot plants and produce sprays of star-shaped flowers in various colors. The rampion is a biennial plant grown for its turniplike roots and leaves, which have a biting flavor and can be used in salads. The creeping bellflower, named for its spreading rhizomes, is a European plant that has become naturalized in North America. The throatwort, also naturalized in North America, bears clusters of lilac-colored funnel-shaped flowers. Other cultivated species include Adria bellflower, clustered bellflower, milky bellflower, great bellflower, and C. zoysii.
