The History of Creeping Bellflower

The History of Creeping Bellflower in Minnesota

How one garden escape turned into a neighborhood menace

Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) might look delicate with its purple, nodding flowers, but it’s one of the most aggressive and persistent weeds in Minnesota.

Where it came from

Native to parts of Central/Eastern Europe & Western Asia, Creeping Bellflower was first brought to North America in the 1800s as a garden ornamental. Early settlers valued it for its showy blooms, edible leaves and roots, as well as its ability to survive tough conditions, especially cold winters. By the late 19th century, it had already escaped cultivation and was spreading on its own across several states and provinces. 

“Campanula rapunculoides was introduced to North America from Europe and Asia, likely as an ornamental and/or accidental contaminant in seed or soil imports.”
— USDA Plant Guide; Minnesota Wildflowers

Where it got its name

Creeping Bellflower is part of the Campanulaceae plant family, and gets its Latin genus name, Campanula, from its “small bell” shaped flower. The specific epithet rapunculoides refers to its similarity to Rampion Wellflower, C. rapunculus, so named for that plant’s large root and its similarity in taste and shape to the turnip, “rapa" in Latin. The “creeping” in the common name comes from its habit to extend its rhizomes underground and “creep” out from where it was originally planted.

How it spread so far

Creeping Bellflower’s invasion across Minnesota wasn’t natural – people have been helping. It was sold in nurseries for decades, often misidentified as “Bluebell” or grouped with other Campanulas. It was also passed between gardeners who didn’t realize what they were sharing, and has spread property to property naturally by wind or unintentionally by landscaping. Contaminated topsoil, mulch, and potted plants have further accelerated its spread.

“This plant is still sometimes available through nurseries, despite its invasive nature. Once introduced, it is extremely difficult to eradicate.”
— Minnesota Wildflowers

Where it’s a problem

The worst infestations are now found in residential neighborhoods and urban gardens. Common hotspots include:

• Boulevard strips and curb lawns

• Hostas, daylily, and iris plantings

• Woodland edges and shade gardens

• Neglected or unmaintained beds

In Minnesota, Creeping Bellflower is especially common in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Stillwater, and nearby suburbs. Once it appears, it often spreads to multiple neighboring yards within a single season.

We need to act NOW to keep it out of our parks. Although some in Minnesota are already overtaken by Bellflower and cannot likely be saved, the majority of our parks are not lost yet.