Tufted Bluebell
Wahlenbergia communis
Small herb with many stems to 40 cm tall. Toothed bright green narrow almost hairless leaves. Single pale blue flowers on branching stalks in loose clusters.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Flora Type | Herbs |
| Distinctive Features | Bell-like, bright blue, five petalled flowers to 2 cm wide, with narrow leaves. Distinguished by its alternate leaves up stem and relatively large bluebell flower. |
| Biology | Perennial with creeping, vigorous fleshy root system. Vigorous growth with a lifespan of more than five years. Widespread in disturbed sites. |
| Native Status | Native |
| Flowering Time | Sep-Dec |
| Taxonomy | |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants) |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Genus | Wahlenbergia |
| Species | communis |
Hoverflies and butterflies collect the nectar. Flower and Crab-spiders prey on the insect visitors. Wahlenbergia flowers attract many kinds of native bees. Named after the Swiss botanist Goran Wahlenberg (1780-1851).
| Interesting Facts | |
|---|---|
| Similar Species | Similar to W. gracilis but flower twice the size. Also similar to Wahlenbergia graniticola. |
| Native Status | Native |