The invasive purple flower overtaking Minnesota yards

A Growing Concern in Minnesota

When Julie Ann Wegscheid first noticed creeping bellflower along the fence line of her home in St. Paul’s Como neighborhood, she didn’t think much of it. The bell-shaped purple flowers seemed harmless and even somewhat attractive. “These are kind of cool,” she thought at the time, not giving them much attention. But as she learned more about the plant, her perspective changed.

Creeping bellflower is an invasive species that has been spreading rapidly across Minnesota. Once Wegscheid became aware of its negative impact on local ecosystems, she began to see the plant everywhere. As a master gardener, she felt compelled to raise awareness and encourage others to join her efforts to combat its spread.

With the help of her daughter, Wegscheid created and posted signs around her neighborhood identifying the plant as a threat to gardens. She also brought a bouquet of creeping bellflower to a table at the neighborhood ice cream social, using the opportunity to educate passersby. She even assists her neighbors in removing the invasive species from their yards.

Understanding the Threat

Creeping bellflower is not a new problem in Minnesota. It is native to parts of Europe and Asia and has been present in the state for at least a century. In some cases, it was even sold in garden stores. However, its recent proliferation has raised concerns among residents and experts alike.

Wegscheid believes that the drought-tolerant nature of creeping bellflower has given it an advantage in recent years, especially as other plants struggle with water shortages. Interestingly, the plant also thrives in wet conditions, making it even more adaptable.

The issue has become a topic of discussion on neighborhood Facebook pages throughout the Twin Cities. Posts aim to help residents identify and remove the plant, highlighting the growing community effort to address the problem.

Why Creeping Bellflower Is a Problem

Not all non-native plants are harmful, but creeping bellflower is a significant threat. According to Laura Irish-Hanson, a University of Minnesota Extension horticulture educator, the plant spreads through multiple methods. It produces thousands of seeds per plant, and it can also spread through rhizomes—small underground stems—and tubers, which are thick stems used for storing nutrients.

This multi-pronged approach makes it particularly difficult to control. Creeping bellflower has managed to invade many areas where it doesn’t belong, both in Minnesota and beyond. A Facebook group called Creeping Bellflower Battles has become a hub for people sharing their experiences, strategies for eradication, and even recipes for using the plant in meals. Some members have even suggested eating it, noting that the flowers make a nice garnish and the leaves can be used as greens. One member joked, “If you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em?”

Strategies for Eradication

Removing creeping bellflower is no easy task. Irish-Hanson recommends focusing on preventing the plant from going to seed. This involves snapping off the stems below the flowers and placing them in a bag to catch any seeds and stems. If allowed by the local trash hauler, the bag should be tied and disposed of in the trash.

While this method won’t completely stop the spread, it can slow it down significantly. To fully eradicate the plant, gardeners must dig at least six inches underground to remove the rhizomes and tubers. “Try to get every root and rhizome piece you can—that is going to be the most effective way to control the population,” Irish-Hanson said. However, the process may need to be repeated because even small pieces left in the soil can regrow into new plants.

Persistence Is Key

Don’t be discouraged if your yard is heavily infested with creeping bellflower, Wegscheid advises. “Do a little bit at a time,” she says. “Keep it up. Be persistent.”

Some herbicides can kill creeping bellflower, but they often require repeated applications. The University of Minnesota Extension website provides detailed information on effective herbicides for this specific plant.

Irish-Hanson encourages anyone seeking information about creeping bellflower to consult science-backed sources. The University of Minnesota Extension is an excellent starting point. For those who appreciate the appearance of creeping bellflower but want to support native species, alternatives like American bellflower or harebell are recommended.