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Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC.

Balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower

KingdomPlantaePlants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
SubkingdomTracheobiontaVascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
DivisionMagnoliophytaFlowering plants, also known as angiosperms
ClassMagnoliopsidaDicotyledons—plants with two initial seed leaves
SubclassAsteridaeA large class that encompasses asters
OrderAsteralesFlowering plants with a central disk flower and surrounding petals, like daisies
FamilyCampanulaceaeCampanula or bellflower family; means “bell-shaped flowers”
GenusPlatycodon
SpeciesgrandiflorusLarge-flowered

About plant names...

Although related to bellflowers, balloon flowers are the only members of the genus Platycodon, meaning "broad bell." The name "balloon flower" comes from the appearance of the unopened flowers, which resemble hot air balloons. It is native to China, Korea, Japan, and eastern Siberia. It is becoming naturalized in a few states in the United States, and its cultivars are popular in flower gardens.

Identification: Plants are 1-3′ (30-91 cm) tall. Star-shaped 5-petaled flowers are blue, blue-violet, white, or pink, 2-3″ (5-7.6 cm) across. Leaves are oval-shaped, with serrated edges and pointed tips, 1½-3″ (3.8-7.6 cm) long.

Edibility: The large roots, which are toxic when raw, are prized in Asian cuisines when cooked. Roots are peeled, blanched in salt water, then fried, pickled, or added to soups. They contain antioxidants and immunostimulants. Uppermost leaves are also edible as an addition to salads.

Online References:

in Paghat's Garden

BayImages.net

Wikimedia Commons

Www.chicagobotanic.org

Plants.ces.ncsu.edu

Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower)

8/4/2007 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts

Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower)

7/17/2010 · Stan and Connie’s, Falmouth, Maine · ≈ 9 × 6″ (23 × 15 cm) ID is uncertain

Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower)

8/4/2007 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts

Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower)

8/4/2007 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts

Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC., orth. var.

 

Platycodon grandiflorus description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.

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Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower)

7/17/2010 · Stan and Connie’s, Falmouth, Maine · ≈ 9 × 6″ (23 × 15 cm) ID is uncertain

Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower)

8/15/2009 · Naumanns, Chelmsford, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 10 × 7″ (26 × 17 cm)

Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower)

7/31/2008 · Falmouth, Maine

Range: Zones 4-9:

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