Harebells are steeped in mythologies and legends across continents. Who I met this summer was actually bellflower, a cousin of harebell and part of the Campanula (“little bell”) family. They span the Northern plans and down the Rocky Mountain areas of the US, and prefer slopes, open woods, and meadows. The harebell is associated with witches and magic, and also known as “old man’s bell.” Hearing the harebells ring warned of magic—and not necessarily friendly. Anyone who wore a bluebell was compelled to tell the truth, and was used in charms. Bellflowers symbolize gratitude, constancy, and humility.
The delicate bell-blooms are blue to purple, nodding down, atop thin stems with wider, heart-shaped basal leaves shifting to narrowed, thin leaves up the stems.
Medicinally, the root has been chewed in the treatment of heart and lung problems. The Chippewa people used an infusion of the roots has been used as ear drops for ear pain. A decoction of the plant has also been consumed or used as a wash in the treatment of sore eyes.
Harebell is accompanied by the Silver-Spotted Skipper butterfly and some bees, acknowledging the relationship between prairie plants and pollinators.
Original mixed media on raw stretched canvas with maple float frame.