American Bellflower
Campanulastrum americanum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Campanulastrum americanum is a native wildflower found across eastern and central United States that produces blue bell-shaped flowers from June through September. This adaptable forb attracts bees and butterflies in woodland edges and gardens.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Bellflower as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
American bellflower is a tall native annual that produces striking blue star-shaped flowers from summer through early fall. This upright plant can reach up to 4 feet tall and creates an impressive display in naturalized areas or cottage-style gardens.
Growing American Bellflower
Grow American Bellflower in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 6 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Bellflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual nature means gaps in plantings each year
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
- May self-seed unpredictably creating informal appearance
Wildlife value
The abundant flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does American Bellflower bloom?
- American Bellflower typically blooms from June through September, producing distinctive blue, bell-shaped flowers throughout the summer and early fall months.
- What pollinators visit Campanulastrum americanum?
- American Bellflower attracts both bees and butterflies, making it a valuable pollinator plant for native gardens and natural areas.
- Where is American Bellflower native?
- This species is native to much of the eastern and central United States, including states from Florida north to Minnesota and from the Atlantic coast west to Kansas and Oklahoma.
- What growing conditions does American Bellflower prefer?
- American Bellflower is adaptable to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of moisture levels, though it typically prefers medium moisture soils.
- Is American Bellflower toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Bellflower as toxic to livestock.
- Is American Bellflower HOA-friendly?
- American Bellflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow American Bellflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz