Creeping Bellflower
Campanula rapunculoides
⚠️ NOXIOUS — the bane of Edmonton and Calgary gardeners. A European perennial with pretty purple bell-shaped flowers on 60–100 cm stems. Spreads aggressively by brittle taproots that can survive 10 cm underground; tilling fragments roots and makes it worse. Do not confuse with Alberta's native Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), which is smaller, more delicate, and non-invasive.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Widespread in urban Alberta yards and boulevards
Light
Full sun to part shade
Bloom Time
June–Aug
Soil
Adaptable — thrives in garden beds
Water
Moderate
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
DO NOT PROPAGATE. Control: smother with thick cardboard + 15 cm mulch for a full growing season; repeat as escapes emerge. Glyphosate works but requires multiple applications. Digging fragments the roots and worsens infestation.