Goutweed (Aegopodium Podagraria)
By Angela Kelley
Goutweed, AKA bishop's-weed and snow-on-the-mountain is a perennial plant that exists both in the wild and in gardens around the world. Its growth rate is rapid making it ideal to plant as a low-maintenance ground cover.
Goutweed is native to the Eastern hemispere and is believed to be brought to the United States in the mid 1800's.
In its natural setting, Goutweed has solid, medium green foliage. The plants that are sold in stores today usually consist of a variegated form that has bluish-green leaves with a lighter creamy white edge. The leaf stalk is attached to a rhizome, or underground stem.
Goutweed produces clusters of small, white flowers in mid-summer. The flowers are usually held high above the underlying foliage on a stem.
Controlling goutweed sometimes can be a challenge. If you prepare properly however, this rapid growing plant can be harnessed. The key is to understand that planted patches of goutweed expand by extension of the rhizome system. Therefore, if you are planning to plant goutweed on a bank or slope, you will want to plan to install a border for the mulch bed that is drove in the ground atleast 2 inches. It is wise to monitor the newly planted goutweed for the first few years, removing new shoots growing in unwanted areas.
Popular Blog Posts
If you found this article useful share it with a friend
Or sign up for our e-mail updates of ideas, tips,and ramblings from the garden.