|
 This
is one of those plants with a dual personality.
On the one hand, goutweed
(Aegopodium
podograria), especially the
variegated type, is often used as an
 ornamental
groundcover. Unfortunately, the trait that makes
it such a good groundcover also can allow it to
become an invasive weed. It spreads like crazy!
Also known as Bishop's Weed or Snow on the
Mountain, this perennial spreads by
rhizomes.
The most common
form is the variegated one that people grow as
an ornamental. However, the straight green
species form is even more aggressive because it
contains more
chlorophyll. |
|
 Since
this perennial plant is usually growing mixed in
with your other perennial plants, it can be very
difficult to remove. Digging or grubbing it out
in the spring will give temporary relieve but
even a small part of the
rhizome left in the
ground will regenerate a new plant. Therefore,
by autumn, most of the mess will be back and the
following spring, you will need to do it all
over again.
Actual removal
will probably require removing all the desirable
perennials and then treating the goutweed with
an
herbicide
such as
glyphosate. Even then, you
may need to repeat applications whenever new
goutweed raises its ugly (or pretty) head. |
