Campanula rapunculoides (Creeping Bellflower)
| Also known as: | Rampion Bellflower, European Bellflower |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Campanula |
| Family: | Campanulaceae (Bellflower) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | Eurasia |
| Habitat: | sun or shade; deciduous woods, fields, along roads, disturbed areas |
| Bloom season: | summer, fall |
| Plant height: | 1 to 3 feet |
| USDA PLANTS database: | Minnesota county distribution map |
| Spotted in Ramsey County at: |
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Detailed Information
- Flower:
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/blue/creeping-bellflower_0715_094710-t.jpg)
Flowers are arranged in a raceme along one side of the main stem at the top of the plant. Individual flowers are about 1 inch long, nod slightly, and bell-shaped with 5 pointed lobes that may have sparsely hairy edges. Inside the bell are 5 curly yellow stamens and a protruding style with a divided, curled tip. Flower color is blue to blue-violet. The bract at the base of the flower has 5 narrow pointed lobes that fold back away from the flower. The raceme can grow to more than half the length of the plant.
- Leaves:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/blue/creeping-bellflower_0726_170957-t.jpg)
Leaves have fine, coarse teeth, a rough texture, are generally heart-shaped, becoming smaller and proportionately narrower as they ascend the stem. Lower leaves are up to 4 inches long and 2 inches wide with leaf stems to 6 inches long. Leaves near the top of the plant have little or no leaf stem. The main stem is also rough from stiff hairs and is often purple, especially near the base of the plant.
- Notes:
- Creeping Bellflower grows in clumps, as it spreads mainly by its root system. It is potentially invasive.
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/blue/creeping-bellflower_0715_094710.jpg)
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/blue/creeping-bellflower_0726_170957.jpg)
More photos
Creeping Bellflower plants, about 3 feet tall
basal leaves, with long stems 
plants growing on a slope
close up of flowers
Creeping Bellflower plants, about 3 feet tall
basal leaves, with long stems 
plants growing on a slope
close up of flowers Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN and Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park, Shoreview, MN July 2008
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2009-05-16 11:31:41
I have been trying to eradicate this weed from my garden for about 10 years. I have taken to digging deep in the soil when I find one, and removing the large root. Roundup seems to have no effect whatsoever. I have fewer of them now, but have to stay vigilant to keep them from taking over!
on: 2009-09-29 12:19:33
Very good description of this beautiful but very hard to eradicate "wildflower". Thanks for posting this info.
on: 2010-02-05 19:04:55
These are great descriptions and pictures. Could there be a link included to a website that describes methods for control and eradication? I would imagine that there are members of MNPS that would have at least a couple great sites.
on: 2010-02-05 23:21:49
While the DNR and MN Dept of Ag have some info about control for some species, Creeping Bellflower isn't on their lists and I am not aware of anyone with the NPS (local or national) that covers the subject either.
If you come across a good site I would be very interested, though! In the meantime, if you have some that needs eradication your best bet is probably through your local Soil and Water Conservation District. See the invasive species page for more info.
on: 2010-04-24 15:16:39
The way I have been killing them is by digging deep to get rid of the tubers. These plants are tricky -- the tubers are connected to the surface by thin, fragile roots, so it's easy to pull up and think you've gotten it, without affecting the taproot at all. I've found that it's necessary to dig very slowly and gently, with a dandelion puller, to remove the roots intact and be certain I've found all the tubers.
on: 2010-04-30 23:30:15
link to eradication info via UofM extension
on: 2010-08-27 21:14:02
This "pretty" plant is quickly taking over where we have been working hard to control buckthorn in an area along Minnehaha Creek. Our buckthorn managed area has been overrun with this creeping bellflower, burdock, dame's rocket, curled dock and a host of other invasives-it's very disheartening :(
on: 2009-05-01 19:05:22
This plant is terrible. It takes over and chokes out other plants. I even have it coming up on my lawn. Beware!!!