What is this horribly prolific plant/ - Ask Extension
This plant is taking over my flower beds. Impossible to weed out. I can only tear off the tops of the plant. Can't get the roots.....What is it? H...
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What is this horribly prolific plant/ #867282
Asked May 06, 2024, 4:14 PM EDT
This plant is taking over my flower beds. Impossible to weed out. I can only tear off the tops of the plant. Can't get the roots.....What is it? How can I get rid of it?
The next yard lets it grow and just mows it off......
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
This appears to be goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria). Other names include Bishop's Weed or Snow-on-the-Mountain. This is often grown as an ornamental groundcover but has escaped into areas to become very invasive. Goutweed often thrives in shady sites.
https://michiganflora.net/record/103
Goutweed is a perennial plant in the Apiaceae (Carrot) family. This plant can form large colonies from underground rhizomes. Leaves are alternate, compound, with toothed-margined leaflets. Some plants may contain white-edged leaflets, but others will be green in color. It is usually the variegated form that is cultivated as an ornamental. Flowering structures of goutweed consist of fairly large, compound umbels with white petals.
Control of goutweed can be very difficult and will depend on its location. Digging up the root system and chopping the stems are certainly options for control, but regrowth should be expected. If herbicides are an option, repeated applications of glyphosate should be effective over time. It is important to use an herbicide that can kill the underground root system. There are also several “brush killers” on the market, such as Brush-B-Gon, that should provide control. The “brush killers” may not be ideal in flowerbeds. Multiple applications of these herbicides will be required. Remember, always read and follow labeled directions.
https://michiganflora.net/record/103
Goutweed is a perennial plant in the Apiaceae (Carrot) family. This plant can form large colonies from underground rhizomes. Leaves are alternate, compound, with toothed-margined leaflets. Some plants may contain white-edged leaflets, but others will be green in color. It is usually the variegated form that is cultivated as an ornamental. Flowering structures of goutweed consist of fairly large, compound umbels with white petals.
Control of goutweed can be very difficult and will depend on its location. Digging up the root system and chopping the stems are certainly options for control, but regrowth should be expected. If herbicides are an option, repeated applications of glyphosate should be effective over time. It is important to use an herbicide that can kill the underground root system. There are also several “brush killers” on the market, such as Brush-B-Gon, that should provide control. The “brush killers” may not be ideal in flowerbeds. Multiple applications of these herbicides will be required. Remember, always read and follow labeled directions.
Thanks you for your quick response. It’s in my flowerbeds so it looks like it’s a hopeless cause.
Debbie
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On May 7, 2024, at 8:28 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Sorry, this plant can be a pain to get rid of. I had this at my old house and it was a constant chore pulling it out. Good luck.