Summer Flowers: Southern Harebell

Camanula divaricata (Southern Harebell) is an easy flower to miss.  The flowers are pale purple and tiny, only around 1/4" long.  The entire plant seems to grow at a height where it blends in with everything else around it.  It is found in rocky areas, primarily in the Southern and Central Appalachian Mountains.  In Shenandoah National Park, I have only seen it at relatively high elevations.  It is considered an endangered species in Maryland.  It blooms in late summer and early fall.

C. divaricata is a member of the Bellflower Family (Campanulaceae).

Pictures (click to enlarge):

 C. divaricata on the Hannah Run trail in 2010.

 On the Riprap Trail last weekend.

C. divaricata on Old Rag in 2007.