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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.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 07, 2024, 8:28 AM EDT
Thanks you for your quick response. It’s in my flowerbeds so it looks like it’s a hopeless cause. 
Debbie

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On May 7, 2024, at 8:28 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 07, 2024, 12:21 PM EDT
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.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 07, 2024, 2:53 PM EDT

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