CAMPANULACEAE
Known primarily for their vibrant blue and violet hues, the Bellflowers are a highlight of the summer chalk grassland. In Lancing, this family includes the iconic county flower of Sussex.
Round-headed Rampion
Phyteuma orbiculareSite: Lancing Ring LNR (Chalk Pits)
Height: 20–50 cm | Flowering: June – August
Affectionately known as the "Pride of Sussex," this striking deep-blue flower is actually a collection of many small, tube-like flowers gathered into a dense, rounded head.
Downland Indicator: This species is a true specialist of undisturbed chalk grassland. Its presence at Lancing Ring is a sign of high-quality habitat; it thrives where the soil is thin and the sheep-grazing or mowing regime prevents coarser grasses from smothering the delicate downland flora.
Harebell (Bellflower)
Campanula rotundifoliaRecorded: 25 August 2007, Lancing Ring
Often simply called the "Bellflower" locally, the Harebell is a common and beloved sight in our local downland turf. Its delicate, papery flowers seem to dance on incredibly thin, wire-like stems.
The Survivor: Despite its fragile appearance, the Harebell is remarkably hardy. It persists in the short turf of Lancing Ring well into late summer, providing a vital late-season nectar source for bees and hoverflies when many other chalk flowers have already gone to seed.