Ann wrote:
spampot ""spampot\"@NO SPAM orph.org" expounded:

This tall purple-blooming plant belongs to a friend, who wants to know
what it is. I have no idea. Anyone?

That looks like a capanula, and if it's the one I think it is
(commonly known as Lady Bells) I'd rip it out quickly. But make sure
you get the 'carrot' that'll be down about eight or more inches.
Invasive, horrible things. "Oh, but they're so pretty" one of my
clients says. My mother and I have spent days trying to rid her
garden of them. They keep coming back. GRRRRR

Well, the flowers look campanula-like, but isn't there another name for
the plant? Campanula is a pretty big family. Yes, my friend says that
the cousin who gave it to her told her it spreads.