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bishop's goutweed
Scientific Name: Aegopodium podagraria
Family: Apiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Goutweed: A Comprehensive Overview
Goutweed, scientifically known as Aegopodium podagraria L., goes by several common names, including ground elder, herb gerard, bishop's weed, goutweed, gout wort, and snow-in-the-mountain. It's often considered an invasive species, known for its tenacity and difficulty to eradicate once established.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Some varieties of goutweed feature variegated (white and green) leaves, which might be visually appealing to children and pets.
- Goutweed spreads through rhizomes, and attempting to remove it may result in fragmented roots and stems.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aegopodium podagraria L.
- Family: Apiaceae (also known as Umbelliferae), the carrot or parsley family.
- Synonyms: Aegopodium podagraria var. variegatum Bailey.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Eurasia.
- Widely planted in gardens.
Ecological Role
- Considered an invasive species.
- Can displace entire plant communities.
- Spreads primarily through creeping rhizomes.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Herbaceous perennial plant.
- Creeping perennial that can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall.
- Compound leaves are alternate with sheathing bases.
- Cultivated forms often exhibit white and green variegated leaves.
- Shallow roots.
Quirky Facts
- Goutweed has a long history of medicinal use and has also been cultivated for food.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Subject to mechanical damages, such as clipping.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
- University of Illinois Extension: Hort Answers provides information about goutweed.
- WebMD: Provides patient medical information for goutweed.