SafePlants

Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides)

Campanula rapunculoides, commonly known as creeping bellflower or rampion bellflower, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Campanula.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant reproduces by extensive creeping underground roots called rhizomes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Campanula rapunculoides
• Common Names: Creeping bellflower, Rampion bellflower, European bellflower
• Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms: The provided text also mentions the following potential synonyms or related species:
  • Campanula bononiensis
  • Campanula cana
  • Campanula racemosa
  • Campanula ruthenica
  • Drymocodon bononiense
  • Campanula cordifolia
  • Campanula rapunculoides var ucranica
  • Campanula rhomboidales
  • Campanula trachelioides

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Eurasia.
• Introduced to North America as a garden ornamental.
• Naturalized in North America.

Ecological Role

• Considered an invasive species in some regions.
• Known to spread quickly and choke out other plants in gardens.

Morphological Characteristics

• Erect perennial forb, growing up to 3 feet high.
• Mostly smooth stem, usually not branched.
• Long racemes of many 1-inch, blue to blue-violet, bell-shaped flowers.
• Herbaceous perennial plant, typically 1-3 feet tall and little branched.
• Central stem is light green to reddish brown, glabrous (smooth) to slightly hairy.

Quirky Facts

• Some have referred to it as a "zombie weed" due to its tenacity.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for gardening tips and ideas.
• The USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database is referenced as a source of information and images.
• Ontario Wildflowers website is also mentioned as a resource with photos and information.