Ground Elder

Ground Edler

Ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria), also known as bishop’s weed, or goutweed, is a herbaceous perennial, native to Europe and Asia. It was brought to America for ornamental purposes, often used as a low groundcover. It has broad, toothed leaves and umbrella-shaped clusters of small white flowers. Ground elder spreads by seeds and rhizomes, forming colonies. It can also spread via yard waste that has been discarded. Ground elder thrives in both sunny and shady environments. It is often seen overtaking woodland edges, quickly outcompeting native plants for resources. 

Keys To Success

Throughout the growing season ground elder is herbaceous and does not become woody. This makes it different to remove by hand because the rhizomes can break underground and send up new growth later. The most effective treatments for ground elder are foliar systemic herbicide treatments or blanket treatments. Spot foliar treatments are best for when the plant has first been established and you want to target it directly. Blanket treatments are for when the plant has formed colonies and large areas need to be eradicated. Mechanical removal of Ground elder is only practical in limited growth areas with diligent monitoring of site and frequent weeding is possible. Their white roots very easily break off in the soil when hand pulling so extreme care must be taken. Any plants removed from the ground should be placed in the trash and never in the compost pile. Mowing or cutting back growth during repeatedly during its flowering stage is recommended to prevent its further spread via seed.