This plant grows in woods, under hedgerows and other shady places often on basic soils. It can grow to about 1 metre in height and has the jagged edged leaves which give it its name. Its common name used to be Throatwort as the corolla is supposed to resemble a throat. So the plant was use to make a gargle to cure sore throats. In the 16th and 17th century it was known as Canterbury Bells rather than C. medium.

C. trachelium prefers sites in central southern England where it is quite commonly recorded. It is uncommon in western Wales, Scotland, northern England and Ireland.

Edge of Coed Cilygroeslwyd, North Wales 25th July 2002

Added on September 26th 2004, amended December 20th 2004, updated 19th November 2008, updated 10th March 2010, updated 30th June 2015