Creeping Bellflower is a Persistent Weed in Montana Lawns

Creeping bellflower is an herbaceous creeping perennial in the Harebell family. Native to Eurasia, it has become widely naturalized in North America. Initially introduced as an ornamental, this plant has spread aggressively into lawns and gardens where it is difficult to control.

Creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) is a perennial plant with unbranched stems that are usually 1 to 3 feet tall. The stems bear five-lobed, blue to purple, bell-shaped flowers that are 0.75 to 1.5 inches long. Flowers are typically arranged along one side of the upper third of the stem and develop upwards throughout the summer. Creeping bellflower is often found near older homes and abandoned farmsteads as an escaped ornamental. From there it invades nearby pastures, fields, riparian areas, parks, roadsides, waste areas, fencerows, and lawns. Soils removed from these sites may contain seeds or root fragments which can further spread creeping bellflower. Seeds are also offered for sale from various suppliers; some warn about its weedy nature, others do not. It grows in sandy to loamy soils and tolerates full sun to shade. Creeping bellflower reproduces by seed, root fragmentation, and sprouting directly from rhizomes. The weed creates dense stands and crowds out desirable vegetation.

Management control of creeping bellflower takes time and effort. Digging and sifting soil to a depth of 12 inches can remove most lateral roots and taproots. Root materials should be bagged and disposed of properly. New growth from any missed root fragments should be removed or killed within 10 days to prevent taproot formation. This process can take at least two years to control creeping bellflower. Herbicides

can also be effective, but applications must be repeated throughout the growing season and for several years to exhaust the extensive root reserves. Herbicide active ingredients found to be effective include glyphosate (non-selective) and clopyralid, triclopyr, and dicamba. Not all herbicides are approved for use on gardens or lawns, so careful selection of products is important. When using herbicides, always read and follow product labels.

This article was written by Dave Brink, Mineral County MSU Extension. The complete article with photographs is available at the Chouteau County Extension office. The Extension office is located in the green building next to the courthouse.

Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.