Found in gravely or sandy soils, Harebell frequents savanas and bluffs. It is a somewhat uncommon species creates basal foliage, and distinct nodding flowers on individual stems. On bluffs, it can be found with Allium cernuum, Carex pensylvanica, and Huechera richarsonii. In mesic savanas, it is commonly found with Koeleria macrantha, Lupinus perennis occidentalis, and Amorpha canescens. It used to be believed that witches used this plant to transform themselves into hares.