Harebell

Campanula rotundifolia — Campanulaceae

Italiano: Campanula — Campanella

harebell

Description

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) belongs to the Campanulaceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Dry grassland, Rocky slopes, Limestone areas environments across regions including Scandinavia, UK, Alps, Mountains.

Botanically, Harebell is delicate blue bell flowers edible salad. Leaves mild historic potherb.. It is also known locally as Campanella.

The edible parts include Flowers, Leaves. With an edibility rating of 5/10, it ranks as a moderate wild food source. Harvesting is best done during August, July and June.

Nutritionally, Harebell stands out for its Vitamin K (20.0mg, 17% DV), Vitamin C (8.0mg, 9% DV) and Vitamin A (40.0mg, 4% DV). It also provides 1.5g protein and 1.8g dietary fiber per 100g serving.

In the kitchen, Harebell offers a Mild flavor profile. Flowers salad leaves minor. Common culinary applications include flower salad, minor historic. Popular preparations include Harebell flower salad, Sauteed greens with garlic, Wild green pesto, Leafy green soup.

For storage, fresh 2d.

Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is no significant. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

Foragers should collect harebell during Jun, Jul and Aug. Choose young, vibrant parts for optimal flavor and nutrition. Avoid specimens near polluted areas, roadsides, or treated agricultural land.

Field identification relies on recognizing the plant in its natural habitat — typically dry grassland, rocky slopes, limestone areas. Flowers, leaf arrangement, and growth habit provide the most reliable identification markers. Always consult at least two independent botanical sources.

Traditional Europe communities have long valued harebell as a seasonal wild food. Its reliable growth and nutritional density made it a valuable resource during lean periods and food scarcity.

In contemporary cuisine, harebell pairs excellently with olive oil, garlic, and citrus. It complements wild herbs, foraged mushrooms, and hearty grains. Experiment with both raw preparations and slow-cooked dishes to appreciate its full range.

Edibility

5/10
Toxicity: No toxicity
Antinutrients: No significant
Safe lookalikes: No similar bell
Dangerous: No poisonous

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Flowers, Leaves
Preparation: Flowers salad leaves minor
Flavor: Mild

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 1.5g
Fat: 0.2g
Fiber: 1.8g
Vitamin C: 8.0mg (8%DV)
Vitamin A: 40mcg (4%DV)
Vitamin E: 0.3mg (2%DV)
Vitamin K: 20mcg (16%DV)
Folate (B9): 5mcg (1%DV)
Calcium: 15.0mg (1%DV)
Iron: 0.2mg (1%DV)
Magnesium: 12mg (2%DV)
Potassium: 100mg (2%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses

flower salad, minor historic

Storage

Fresh 2d

Recipes

  • Harebell flower salad
  • Sauteed greens with garlic
  • Wild green pesto
  • Leafy green soup
  • Wild winter pesto made from Harebell
  • Traditional Harebell soup
  • Harebell and potato frittata

Where It Grows

Continent: Europe
Regions: Scandinavia, UK, Alps, Mountains
Habitat: Dry grassland, Rocky slopes, Limestone areas