Thank you for contacting the UVM Master Gardener Helpline with your question about bishops weed. I’m sorry you are having to deal with this highly invasive plant.

Bishops weed is also known as gout weed. The scientific name is Aegopodium podagraria. The leaves are sometimes variegated, and sometimes plain green. North Carolina State Extension published a Fact Sheet: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aegopodium-podagraria/. In their photo gallery you can see the differences in the leaves.

The Fact Sheet on the Vermont Invasives site (https://www.vtinvasives.org/invasive/goutweed-or-bishops-weed) includes a picture of the root system. That fact sheet reminds us “Not to Compost, nor discard in the woods because plant fragments WILL re-sprout”. The Fact Sheet suggests alternative plants.

Unfortunately, I inherited a patch and often see both leaves. I cut off the blossoms before they go to seed, bag up the pulled plants and roots, and place in a plastic bag in full sun for a few days to solarize the plants. Ultimately the bag goes into the trash. My patch is currently contained on all sides by my house/driveway so it has not yet jumped out of the bed, but I keep a close eye on it.

The University of Maine Extension published “How do you get rid of Bishops Weed”: https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2022/05/10/removing-bishops-weed/. Since the plant is a member of the Apiaceae (carrot) family it “… may cause skin irritation to some individuals. It’s best to wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.”

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out.