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New plant that is taking over our garden #877635

Asked July 17, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT

Hi. We recently noticed this new plant and it is proliferating in our garden. Can you advise what it is and the best treatment option? I am currently removing by hand.

Anchorage County Alaska

Expert Response

Thank you for your question. This is probably rampion bellflower or creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides). Have you seen any flowers or flower buds yet? 

The flowers are pretty “bluebells” and some mistakenly assumes this is a nice perennial. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes an aggressive and invasive plant (there are lots of testimonies to back that up).

The plant is not easy to control as it has underground rhizomes and tubers. Some say to dig it up, but apparently that is not easily done. In the factsheet from the Alaska Exotic Plants Information Clearinghouse (AKEPIC, https://accs.uaa.alaska.edu/invasive-species/non-native-plants/), it is stated that it is just about impossible to control mechanically. Most don’t want to use pesticides, but roundup (glyphosate) for instance, can be effective.

You can find the factsheet here

https://accs.axds.co/data/akepic/document?documentType=species_bio&usdaCode=CARA

Wish I had some better news and information for you.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 18, 2024, 2:08 PM EDT
Wow. Thank you for the quick and helpful response. I did see a flower in that area last year and can’t believe how much it exploded this year. I’ll keep digging and try and stay on top of it. 

Thanks! 

On Jul 18, 2024, at 10:08 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 9:09 PM EDT

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