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Ground Elder #872683

Asked June 11, 2024, 6:18 PM EDT

We have what we think is an infestation of ground elder in amongst our hostas. I tried to identify it from pictures online. I realize this plant has rhyzomes and is difficult to remove. We thought we might just try to isolate our hostas behind some barrier and then try to use some kind of weed killer to get rid of the ground elder. Would this work or, if not, what do you suggest? Thank you for your time.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Morning, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

Please click on the following link about ground elder: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aegopodium-podagraria/   Please review the photos to ensure this is the plant you are dealing with. 

This information states:

Some management options include spraying with herbicides, manually digging or hand-pulling of the plants, and continuously mowing the growth. When using herbicides, care must be taken to not overspray and damaging or killing other plants, including native plants. Digging and hand-pulling may be a long term project with such vigorous growth.

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied June 13, 2024, 9:25 AM EDT

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