This European introduction was grown in gardens and then successfully escaped into the wild where it can be persistent. The creeping nature of the plant can usually be found if you dig your way through the vegetation to see where the flowering stem originates. The calyx is strongly reflexed and this can be used as a first distinguishing feature of the plant which otherwise might be confused with Campanula trachelium (Nettle-leaved Bellflower).

It has now spread to most of England and is commonest in the east. It can be found in Scotland, east Wales and the eastern coast of Ireland.

Sefton Coast, 26th June 2007

Added on 5th July 2007, updated 19th November 2008, updated 10th March 2010, updated 30th June 2015