Aegopodium podagraria aka Ground Elder

Taxonomy

Aegopodium podagraria, also known as ground elder, is a fast-growing flowering plant in the carrot family that thrives in shady areas. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced worldwide as an ornamental plant, sometimes becoming an invasive species. Other common names include herb gerard, bishop's weed, goutweed, gout wort, snow-in-the-mountain, English masterwort, and wild masterwort. Its shallow roots make it an ideal ground cover for deep shade, and its solid green or variegated leaves add a lush appearance to any garden. However, goutweed is also known for forming dense patches by spreading its long, white, and branching rhizomes, which can interfere with the growth of other plants. It has been reported as invasive in several US states, and management options include herbicide spraying, manual digging or hand-pulling, and continuous mowing.

Common names

Ground Elder, Bishop's Goutweed, Goutweed

How to care for Ground Elder

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Ground Elder is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Ground Elder should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Ground Elder, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Ground Elder is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Ground Elder will thrive!

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Ground Elder prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Region of origin

Ground Elder’s native range is Most of Europe, including Britain, to western Asia and Siberia.


More info:
Wikipedia