ERADICATE THE CHAMELEON PLANT - Ask Extension
The Chameleon plant has overtaken my landscaping. I have read numerous tips regarding eradication
(Hand digging, leaf clipping, use of Round-Up, etc...
Knowledgebase
ERADICATE THE CHAMELEON PLANT #876362
Asked July 08, 2024, 3:02 PM EDT
The Chameleon plant has overtaken my landscaping. I have read numerous tips regarding eradication
(Hand digging, leaf clipping, use of Round-Up, etc.) but have not found any consensus regarding HOW to eradicate.
I have a condo in Grand Rapids where the chameleon is prolific. By error, I transplanted some ferns containing small pieces of chameleon stems to my home in Saugatuck. I now see small plants sprouting!
Please Help.
1. What is the best method to eradicate Large areas of chameleon beds that have flowered?
2. What is the best way to eradicate smaller areas, where plants are emerging.
Thank you
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Here's some information I have collected overtime on chameleon plant. Please check it out and let me know if you have any questions.
Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata) is a perennial plant in the lizard tail family (Saururaceae). It is not native to Michigan and often used as an ornamental and for groundcover. This plant has the ability to form large colonies from underground rhizomes but it can also reproduce by seed.
Control of chameleon plant can be very difficult, depending on its location. Digging up the root system and removing foliage are certainly options for control and will weaken the root system over time, but it could take a very long time. The use of landscape fabric plus mulch to deprive the plant of sunlight may work in certain situations on a small scale, however any holes in the fabric for desired plant may offer an avenue for emergence. Tarping on a larger scale has also been used by some of our clients with concerns near waterways.
There are no selective herbicides that will kill this plant and not affect desirable broadleaf plants. Depending on how interspersed it is, how big the area is, and how large of a nuisance it is, it may be possible to spot treat with a herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate, amongst others generics). Products containing glyphosate will injure other plants contacted during application (i.e. green tissue, damaged/green bark, exposed roots). Multiple applications may be necessary for complete control. Glyphosate does not have activity in the soil, so once you are satisfied with your level of control it is safe to replant desired species. Remember, always read and follow labeled directions.
Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata) is a perennial plant in the lizard tail family (Saururaceae). It is not native to Michigan and often used as an ornamental and for groundcover. This plant has the ability to form large colonies from underground rhizomes but it can also reproduce by seed.
Control of chameleon plant can be very difficult, depending on its location. Digging up the root system and removing foliage are certainly options for control and will weaken the root system over time, but it could take a very long time. The use of landscape fabric plus mulch to deprive the plant of sunlight may work in certain situations on a small scale, however any holes in the fabric for desired plant may offer an avenue for emergence. Tarping on a larger scale has also been used by some of our clients with concerns near waterways.
There are no selective herbicides that will kill this plant and not affect desirable broadleaf plants. Depending on how interspersed it is, how big the area is, and how large of a nuisance it is, it may be possible to spot treat with a herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate, amongst others generics). Products containing glyphosate will injure other plants contacted during application (i.e. green tissue, damaged/green bark, exposed roots). Multiple applications may be necessary for complete control. Glyphosate does not have activity in the soil, so once you are satisfied with your level of control it is safe to replant desired species. Remember, always read and follow labeled directions.
What is your opinion regarding placing 18" deep edging to prevent the spreading of roots between beds and/or between the sidewalk and beds. (I have seen these advertised on Amazon and am curious if this would be of benefit.)
I did not have a lot of luck trying to find the rooting depth of chameleon plant. Some sources say 18". To get a better idea in your situation, it might not be a bad idea to go out to one of your heavily infested areas and dig a hole to see how far the roots go down.
It seems like this could work to create a perimeter around the area you want to protect so long as the roots/rhizomes have not already invaded the area (prior to the appearance of aboveground growth)...but I would hate for you to waste all the time, energy, and money if the roots in your area are going deeper.
I'm not sure this is the yes or no answer you hoped for, but hopefully a strategy :)
It seems like this could work to create a perimeter around the area you want to protect so long as the roots/rhizomes have not already invaded the area (prior to the appearance of aboveground growth)...but I would hate for you to waste all the time, energy, and money if the roots in your area are going deeper.
I'm not sure this is the yes or no answer you hoped for, but hopefully a strategy :)
