Dear Douglas,

Thank you for contacting us about the aggressive ground cover in your yard. My apologies for the delayed response, but apparently there are no experts available in your area at this time. 

From the photos, it appears you have a type of violet, possibly the European (Viola odorata) which can be invasive. However, violets do not grow from little white bulbs as you mentioned. Rather, they grow from rhizomes. Is it possible there is another plant that emerges from the bulbs?

Stems: Viola odorata.
By Robert L. Carr. Copyright 2025

Here is some information about controlling violets from Minnesota Extension:

Control and management
Many gardeners appreciate the [violets] showy flowers and ability to grow in understories and difficult terrain. Left unmanaged, wild violets can outcompete turf and other plants. Wild violets often require repeated removal efforts from a lawn or garden.

Hand removal is effective for removing small patches [of violets] but may need to be repeated. Remove all parts of the roots and rhizomes to prevent regrowth. [Cover the area with cardboard topped with 4-inches of wood chips. This will eventually starve the roots since the plants cannot photosynthesize.]

A dense and healthy turf is the best defense against wild violet encroachment. Wild violets will adapt and grow shorter in height to survive mowing.

Extensive rhizome formation and waxy leaves can reduce herbicide effectiveness. Apply herbicides in the early spring or late summer. Pre-emergent herbicides do not work well.
Effective post-emergent herbicides include:

• Triclopyr is often the most effective.
• 2,4-D, 2,4-DP, MCPP, MCPA, dicamba, carfentrazone, sulfentrazone, and quinclorac can also offer some control.
• Non-selective post-emergent herbicides such as glyphosate may be effective with repeat applications.
  • Glyphosate can damage desired plants.

I hope this information is helpful. Please write again whenever you have questions.