When to transplant - Ask Extension
I would like to transplant the plant pictured below, on the west side of the property. It's good ground cover and spreads. What time of year is the b...
Knowledgebase
When to transplant #919723
Asked October 11, 2025, 1:33 PM EDT
I would like to transplant the plant pictured below, on the west side of the property. It's good ground cover and spreads. What time of year is the best time to do that?
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
This plant is called Ground Elder, Bishop's Weed, Snow-on-the-Mountain, Bishop's Goutweed and probably other names. You have the variegated leaf variety.
https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=54&cname=Bishop%27s%20goutweed
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/goutweed
Be very careful where you plant this "weed." It spreads by underground roots or rhizomes. I could not find specific information on transplant time, but based on my personal experience, you can dig up sections of it and replant them any time of the year. Even a tiny bit of root left in the soil will grow into a new plant.
https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=54&cname=Bishop%27s%20goutweed
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/goutweed
Be very careful where you plant this "weed." It spreads by underground roots or rhizomes. I could not find specific information on transplant time, but based on my personal experience, you can dig up sections of it and replant them any time of the year. Even a tiny bit of root left in the soil will grow into a new plant.
