Rampion

Campanula rapunculus

Physical Characteristics

Campanula rapunculus is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean. Introduced in Britain[17].

Habitats

Meadow; Hedgerow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[2, 5, 33, 37, 100, 183]. A very nice sweet flavour[27], reminiscent of walnuts[2]. They are best mixed with other root vegetables and used in winter salads[2, 9]. Leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb[2, 5, 9, 27, 33, 37, 100, 183]. A fairly bland flavour, with a hint of sweetness, they are quite acceptable raw in salads[K]. The leaves are rich in vitamin C, they make an acceptable winter salad[4]. Young shoots in spring can be blanched and cooked like asparagus[183].

Medicinal Uses

Vitamin C None known

Known Hazards

None known