Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
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Called a bluebell in Scotland, and also known as Witch's Thimble. Member of the Bellflower family. Called Harebell because it was once believed that it grew in places where hares lived. Grows to about 12 in (30 cm) bearing clusters of blue bell-like, scentless flowers and round leaves.
Hardy perennial. Flowers June to September. Found in the wild in dry grasslands, banks, road verges, open woods and scrub.
Harebell roots used to be applied to heal wounds, reduce inflammation and halt bleeding. Believed that Harebell juice was used as part of witches' flying ointment.
Harebells used to be known as Old Man's Bells and were believed to be a plant of the Devil. They have associations with witches, who were believed to be able to turn themselves into hares. The plant was alleged to tinkle to warn hares of imminent danger. It was believed in Scotland that fairies made hats from the flowers. According to fairy legend, a battle between the fairies and pixies resulted in the fairies being defeated. Three wounded fairies hid in a bush and were rescued by a hare. The Queen Fairy rewarded the hare by planting a meadow with tiny bells to warn the hare of danger. Clumps of Harebells are thought to offer shelter to fairies.
Likes sun or partial shade. Good meadow plant. Plant out early autumn or spring in well-drained, slightly moist soil. Thrives in poor, dry soil.
Relies on bees for pollination, particularly the small Harebell carpenter bee. If planted in a meadow it will attract lots of butterflies. The leaves are food for some species of Rustic moth, in particular the Northern Rustic and Ashworth's Rustic moths.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*