The emergence of a few heart-shaped leaves is often how it begins. The leaves then start to multiply, and when stems adorned with charming drooping purple flowers make an appearance, it triggers an investigation. Susan Forint’s curiosity was piqued when she spotted this plant in her mother’s Toronto garden, a space housing century-old peonies and other historical perennials. She captured an image and conducted a reverse image search online.
According to Ms. Forint, “Not knowing felt comforting.”
The intruder in question is the creeping bellflower, an invasive weed notorious for overpowering unsuspecting gardens and front lawns, effectively crowding out other plants. Initial attempts at removal may seem effortless with a mere pinch, implying an easy conquest. However, beneath the surface lies a robust and unyielding root system. Even the tiniest fragment of its root can give rise to a new plant, a trait that has earned it the moniker “the zombie weed.” Possessing immunity to most herbicides, it flourishes in various light conditions and can endure prolonged periods of drought.
Originating from central and southern Europe, the creeping bellflower has found a thriving niche in many urban settings across Canada. It has become so abundant in certain cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Saskatoon that it’s often mistaken for a native wild plant.
Jonathan Bennett, an associate professor specializing in ecology and invasive species management at the University of Saskatchewan, expresses his disdain for the creeping bellflower, sharing a personal grievance as the weed has taken over his lawn. According to him, “Keeping it out of gardens is an incredibly challenging task.”
Once awareness sets in, the weed seems to reveal itself everywhere—peeking through manicured hedges, nestled along public park fences, and even sprouting amidst other plants like hydrangeas and hostas. It has a knack for thriving in the tiniest asphalt crevices.
One resident, Mr. Chu, has taken it upon himself to alert neighbors about the presence of the weed on their properties and even removes the stems he finds in public areas like sidewalks and fence lines. However, since most provinces do not officially classify the creeping bellflower as a regulated invasive species, many gardeners resort to grassroots efforts to combat it. Initiatives range from offering financial incentives for removal to distributing informational pamphlets to affected households.
Dr. Bennett highlights how other invasive plants have led to significant ecological disruptions, such as garlic mustard impacting tree seedling growth in Ontario and cheatgrass altering wildfire cycles in the Prairies.
Although the creeping bellflower primarily thrives in cultivated areas, Dr. Bennett suggests that this could change with any evolutionary shifts. As he states, “Sometimes it just takes one little mutation, some key evolutionary change and they become more problematic.”
For devoted gardeners like Ms. Forint, the creeping bellflower has already crossed the threshold into problematic territory. Raised amidst the gardens of her childhood home, she is determined to preserve them. Hence, she dedicates an hour or two each week to battling the weed with her garden fork. While she contemplates more intricate methods like soil sieving, she plans to use Roundup with glyphosate herbicide in the coming fall.
Ms. Forint admits, “I’m uncertain if this approach will succeed, but it’s worth a try.” She envisions the skeptical gazes of neighbors, imagining them thinking, “‘ She’s there, meticulously painting leaves.'” Yet, she finds a meditative quality in the process.
To effectively combat the creeping bellflower, gardeners are advised to pull up the heart-shaped leaves and as much of the root as possible, especially before the plant blooms. Given its propensity to spread through its root system, focusing on excavating the white, fleshy rhizomes with a garden fork is recommended. Disposal should occur in black garbage bags to prevent root regrowth, as composting or placing it in yard waste bags is not advisable. While the weed is notably resistant to most herbicides, some gardeners attest to the effectiveness of Roundup when applied to leaves. For those sowing wildflower seed mixes, ensuring the absence of Campanula rapunculoides is crucial.
The battle against the creeping bellflower requires persistence, with up to a decade of consistent weed removal potentially needed for complete eradication.
All in all
The battle against the persistent Creeping Bellflower is a challenge that many dedicated gardeners face. As this invasive weed continues to thrive in our gardens and urban spaces, it’s crucial that we share knowledge and strategies for its control. By following the tips and methods discussed in this blog, we can work together to preserve the beauty of our gardens and protect them from the relentless grip of ‘the zombie weed.’ Join our community of gardeners in this ongoing mission, and let’s ensure that our gardens remain vibrant and weed-free for generations to come.
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