Creeping Bellflower

Creeping bellflower is a perennial weed that can cause serious problems in yard and garden, even though the blossoms are pretty. It can form dense clusters of leaves that can take over a lawn. The plant has heart-shaped leaves that taper to a long point, and attractive flowers that are bright blue to violet. It reproduces by seed and by underground rootstalks.

To manage this weed, apply a glyphosate herbicide to the individual plants. Remember that glyphosates, such as Roundup, are not selective and will kill any plant with which they come in contact. Glyphosates are relatively safe for both humans and the environment, but must be used carefully to prevent damage to desirable plants, including trees and shrubs. Concentrate formulations work better than ready-to-mix products. However, do not apply more than label instructions call for.

 Creeping bellflower is resistant to 2,4-D and most other herbicides that are selective for broad-leaf weeds, even though they may be labeled for the weed. Herbicides containing dicamba, such as the Trimec products, are some of the only selective herbicides that will help manage creeping bellflower in home lawns without damaging grass, if you choose to make a broadcast application rather than spot applications of glyphosate. Dicamba can be carried through the soil by water movement, and can cause severe damage or death to ornamentals and trees, so label instructions must be followed very carefully. If label instructions are followed carefully, few problems should result. When using any pesticide, always read and follow label instructions, and wear the appropriate protective clothing.

 References: 

Shurtleff, M., W. Thomas, and R. Randell. 1987. Controlling Turfgrass Pests. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07362. 449
pp. 

Watschke, T., P. Dernoeden, and D. Shetlar. 1995. Managing Turfgrass Pests. Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL 33431. 361 pp. 

Whitson, T., et al. 1991. Weeds of the West. Pioneer Printing, Jackson Wyoming. 630 pp. 

Written by Sherry Lajeunesse, Extension Urban Pest Management Specialist. Sept., 1997