Identify terrible-horrible weed with pretty purple flowers? - Ask Extension
Hello!Two years ago, one of these plants showed up in my backyard. I thought initially by looking at the leaves that it was a cone flower, so I left i...
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Identify terrible-horrible weed with pretty purple flowers? #191703
Asked June 16, 2014, 10:19 PM EDT
Hello!
Two years ago, one of these plants showed up in my backyard. I thought initially by looking at the leaves that it was a cone flower, so I left it, and then when it flowered I thought it was pretty. That was a mistake. Now two years later, it has managed to take over about a 30 square foot portion of my yard.
It spreads both by seed and also by very prolific roots. The roots are slightly purple tinted. The leaves form a dense carpet, with randomly spaced flower stalks rising high above the regular leaves.
It seems to do well in both full sun and full shade; my yard has no standing water.
I have tried all organic means of killing the plants, but all failed, and am now resorting to RoundUp.
Any idea what this plant is so that I know my nemesis?
Thanks!
Debbie
Two years ago, one of these plants showed up in my backyard. I thought initially by looking at the leaves that it was a cone flower, so I left it, and then when it flowered I thought it was pretty. That was a mistake. Now two years later, it has managed to take over about a 30 square foot portion of my yard.
It spreads both by seed and also by very prolific roots. The roots are slightly purple tinted. The leaves form a dense carpet, with randomly spaced flower stalks rising high above the regular leaves.
It seems to do well in both full sun and full shade; my yard has no standing water.
I have tried all organic means of killing the plants, but all failed, and am now resorting to RoundUp.
Any idea what this plant is so that I know my nemesis?
Thanks!
Debbie
Champaign County Illinois
Expert Response
Your
pretty weed appears to be a type of “Campanula rapunculoides”, or common names
of creeping bellflower, european bellflower, rampoin bellflower or rover
bellflower.
“What is a weed? a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
“What is a weed? a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thanks! The creeping bellflower looks like it! It's nice to know what I'm up against.
I'm glad to be of assistance. But, please reconsider the use of pesticides/ herbicides in your garden.
Research has shown that chemicals such as glyphosate (main ingredient in Roundup) can result in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nerve, respiratory and reproductive damage. Some studies show a link between the chemical and cancer. Used in yards, farms and parks throughout the world, Roundup has long been a top-selling weed killer. And recent research has found that one of Roundup’s inert ingredients can kill human cells, particularly embryonic, placental and umbilical cord cells.
Here are links to articles with detailed information:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15929894
http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/roundup-weed-killer-zmaz09djzraw.aspx#axzz35TkuJZzr
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/weed-whacking-herbicide-p/ http://www.organicconsumers.org/monsanto/roundup.cfm
I'd be happy to try organic means of getting rid of this plant if you have other suggestions. Here's what I've tried so far in my three year battle; all failed.
Pulling up/off as much of the plant as possible; spraying with vinegar; pouring boiling water; covering with thick mulch; covering with tarps and boards.
Pulling up/off as much of the plant as possible; spraying with vinegar; pouring boiling water; covering with thick mulch; covering with tarps and boards.
I commend your efforts!
In this battle, you will have to use multiple techniques and repeated applications. Here are my suggestions:
Home-made weed killer spray
1 gallon vinegar
2 cups of Epsom salts
¼ cup dish soap
Corn Gluten
Corn Gluten is a pre-emergent herbicide, which is a fancy way of saying that is it is a seed birth-control. Corn meal scattered around an area will keep any seed (good and bad) in that area from growing into a plant.
Newspaper Put down a layer of newspaper at least 4 sheets thick (the more the better). The lack of sun will kill the weeds that are already there and the seeds will not be able to develop. Wet the newspaper, then, put down a layer of mulch.
Please keep us posted!
In this battle, you will have to use multiple techniques and repeated applications. Here are my suggestions:
Home-made weed killer spray
1 gallon vinegar
2 cups of Epsom salts
¼ cup dish soap
Corn Gluten
Corn Gluten is a pre-emergent herbicide, which is a fancy way of saying that is it is a seed birth-control. Corn meal scattered around an area will keep any seed (good and bad) in that area from growing into a plant.
Newspaper Put down a layer of newspaper at least 4 sheets thick (the more the better). The lack of sun will kill the weeds that are already there and the seeds will not be able to develop. Wet the newspaper, then, put down a layer of mulch.
Please keep us posted!
