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Invasive plant? #868524

Asked May 15, 2024, 11:14 AM EDT

This plant/weed is taking over in my flower bed. I thought I heard something about it, to contact extension about getting rid of it.

Eaton County Michigan

Expert Response

This plant is known as 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.

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 (Roundup, others) should be effective over time. However, glyphosate is being phased out and it might be difficult to find this active ingredient on the shelf.  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. Some Roundup products have the same name but the active ingredients have changed and may not be suitable for areas like flowerbeds and gardens.
This plant can be difficult to completely remove and it might take a couple of growing seasons. 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2024, 2:30 PM EDT

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