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Wahlenbergia stricta

Tall Bluebell

Erect to clumping hairy perennial herb dying back to thick taproot in autumn. Few to many stems usually few branched.

Additional information

  • FamilyCampanulaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size0.4-0.9 m x 0.3-0.4 m
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesPairs of hairy, oblong leaves 5-70 mm x 1-13 mm, margins wavy with small teeth. Leaves becoming narrow near flowers or stalk leafless in upper half.
  • Flower colourLight to deep blue, sometimes white, with a white throat
  • Flowering timeAugust to January
  • FlowersLarge bell-shaped flowers on long stems. Calyx hairy.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNectar for butterflies
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsWell drained soils, tolerating limited dryness in damp to dryer forests. Full sun or semi-shade.
  • Garden useA beautiful bluebell with well displayed flowers, excellent planted en masse or as drifts through small gardens, cottage gardens or under trees.
  • Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
  • Aboriginal Use Food - flowers
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Yarra Ranges Council photo library

Plant Communities

  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 46 Silvertop Ash Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 27 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 40 Snow Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175/37)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 01 Alpine Ash Montane Damp Forest (EVC 38)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
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