The Harebell Flower (Campanula, sp.) among Ferns

[Michael Erlewine]

Taken in my backyard.

Nikon D810, Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO lens

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Both are god and the second one has a lovely tonality and excellent composition within the frame. I won't comment sharpness as I assume that would be top-notch...

However, I seriously doubt your identification. This does not in the least look similar to the European species known as Campanula rotundifolia.

This genus has a large number of species and one often needs to consult a local flora to track down the final identification.

[Michael Erlewine]

You may well be right. I am not a botanist, but if you "Google" "Campanula rotundifolia," and select to view "Images," you will see tons of these that match.

They are really nice nestled among the ferns in our backyard. I have let our backyard grow wild for years, and this is what happens. The city makes me mow the front yard and we have fights over little patches of flowers in the front yard that I insist not be mowed down until they have finished, etc.

I would not say that these photos are "god," but am happy you think so!

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Well, the internet certainly is not the quality-verified source you need for identification of flowers ...

The true C. rotundifolia has slender stems, threadlike upper stem leaves, narrow bell-shaped corolla, etc. Plus the flowers tend to occur in open cymes towards the top of each shot.

Your plant is much more robust and the flowers are arranged differently. It resembles the taxon known here in
Europe as C. persicifolia, but I would need material at hand and a flora to make a final confirmation of the identity.

[Michael Erlewine]

Well, As mentioned, I don't know. I hate to just say "flower," and when I looked it up under Michigan Flowers, there is was with that name. Perhaps someone will come along who knows exactly.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

In scientific and botanical circles, it is common practice to use the genus instead of the species if one isn't entirely sure about the identification. Thus, Campanula sp. (a species of Campanula).

[Michael Erlewine]

Got it. Made the change. Thanks.