Now that the extent of its aggressive nature has been discovered, it is classified as aninvasive species.
Even though there are numerousbellflowerspecies, the creeping variety is relatively easy to identify.
The drooping, bell-shaped purple flowers appear during the summer, growing only on one side of the stem.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The flowers are bell-shaped with five pointed lobes.
The plant looks very similar to nativeCampanulaspecies such as harebells (Campanula rotundifolia).
It also has some resemblance with native violets.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
For the best success,digging out the rootsis required.
If added to compost heaps or bins, they could grow back once the compost is applied.
Creeping bellflower roots also tend to become entangled with the roots of other nearby plants.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
You may have to sacrifice other species while you’re working to rid your garden of this weed.
Smothering Methods
Another method for removing creeping bellflower is tocover the plantsto deprive them of light.
However, this is only practical if the flowers are growing in small patches.
American bellflowerBrian Woolman / Getty Images
Use newspapers, cardboard, or plastic, and cover it with soil orheavy mulch.
Chemical Removal
Chemically removing your creeping bellflower is best kept as a last resort.
However, if you find the plant has invaded your patio.
Widely availablebroadleaf herbicidesand defoliants such as 2,4-D have been proven ineffective at dealing with creeping bellflower.
Treatments should be applied in late spring or early fall, while temperatures are between 60 and 85 degrees.
Weekly reapplications for several weeks are often recommended.
Manually remove the plants or treat them with herbicides before they set seed.
The safest way of disposal is in the trash.
Dispose of the flowers in the trash or deep inside the compost pile.
It is native to North America and grows in part shade.
The plant was brought to North America from its native Europe.
The plant is not toxic, the leaves and flowers have been used as edibles and foraged as such.
The plant will regrow even from the smallest bit of root left in the ground.
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
University of Minnesota Extension.
