Southern Bellflower Campanula divaricata

Appalachian bellflower is a flowering, clumping, perennial wildflower native to West Virginia and the southeastern United States, primarily along the Appalachian Mountains. It is most often found in rocky outcrops, cliffs, or summits. This wildflower produces small, dangling, bell-shaped, pale blue-violet flowers in late summer. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and has many delicate, branching stems. The Appalachian bellflower is a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). The genus name, Campanula, is derived from the Latin word campana, meaning bell, and refers to its bell-shaped flowers. The specific epithet, divaricata, is of Latin derivation and means "to spread out" or "straddling." This likely refers to the plant's spreading, branching stems and inflorescences.

This native wildflower prefers full sun to partial shade and rather dry, acidic, rocky soils. It does best in sloping, open woodlands and rocky areas. The Appalachian bellflower is drought-tolerant once established. 

The stems are slender, delicate, and multi-branched. The leaves are lanceolate, ovate, or oblanceolate. and sharply serrate. The downward-facing flower measures approximately 1/3 to 1/2 inch long and has 5 petals with recurving tips and a protruding style. 

In North Carolina, this wildflower is commonly found in the mountains and foothills. It is uncommon or rare in the central and southeastern portions of the state, respectively. They may be difficult to find commercially.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insects or diseases. Like many plants in its genus, the Appalachian bellflower may be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, and spider mites. Potential diseases include powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.