Olympic bellflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Olympic bellflower |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Campanula
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| Species: |
piperi
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Campanula piperi, also known as the Olympic bellflower, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the bellflower family, called Campanulaceae. This plant naturally grows in the Olympic Mountains in Washington, USA. You can also find it on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The Olympic bellflower is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. Its stems can grow up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) tall. The plant can be smooth or have tiny, rough hairs.
Its leaves near the bottom are shaped like wide spear tips. They have small teeth along their edges and can be up to 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) long. Leaves higher up on the stem look similar. They grow one after another along the stem.
Flowers and Colors
The flowers of the Olympic bellflower appear in July and August. They grow at the very top of the stems. Each flower has five small, toothed parts called sepals. These are like little leaves that protect the bud.
The main part of the flower is a blue, saucer-shaped petal structure. It has five lobes, or sections, that are about 1.2 to 1.6 centimeters long. Sometimes, you might even spot white flowers!
Where Does It Grow?
This plant loves rocky places high up in the mountains. It grows in areas with high elevations.
Threats to the Plant
One challenge for the Olympic bellflower is mountain goats. These goats were brought into the area by people. They can accidentally step on and damage the plants.
Growing Olympic Bellflowers
People sometimes grow the Olympic bellflower in special gardens. These are called alpine plant gardens. They are designed for plants that naturally grow in high, rocky mountain areas.
Different Types
Gardeners have also created different types of this plant. These are called cultivars. They are special versions of the plant grown for certain features.
History of the Name
The name Campanula piperi honors a botanist named Charles Piper. He was a scientist who studied plants.
