American Bellflower (Campanulastrum americanum): blue Minnesota wildflowers

American Bellflower

Plant Info
Also known as:	Tall Bellflower
Scientific name:	Campanulastrum americanum
Family:	Bellflower (Campanulaceae)
Life cycle:	annual
Origin:	native
Habitat:	part shade; moist open woods, along shores
Bloom season:	summer
Plant height:	2 to 6 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map

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Flower:: Flowers are about 1 inch across, with 5 blue petals and a cream-colored center ring. The petals have pointed tips, a vein down the center, and wavy or ruffled edges. A long curving style protrudes from the center. Flowers are clustered in a spike up to 30 inches long at the top of the plant, or in smaller clusters arising from a leaf axil. Clusters may be sparsely or densely packed.
Leaves and stem:: Leaves are 3 to 6 inches long and ½ to 2 inches across, generally egg-shaped or oval, tapering to a point at the tip. The leaf base tapers to narrow leaf stems, abruptly when the base is more rounded. Leaf edges are serrated; the upper surface is rough. Leaves become gradually smaller and more narrow as they ascend the stem. Attachment is alternate. The main stem and leaf stems are both hairy.

More blue wildflowers. Photos taken at Fort Snelling State Park, St Paul, MN July-August 2007

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?