Ground Elder is a
non-native invasive
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, hedgerows and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 60cm.
Ground Elder is thought to have been introduced to the UK in the Roman period as a medicinal plant. It has also been used as a ground cover plant in gardens and exists in the wild as an 'escape'.
Botanic classification and naming: Ground Elder is a member of the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. The genus name
'Aegopodium' identifies the plant as a Goutweed and its species name 'podagraria' means 'goat's foot'.
Concerns: Ground Elder is a very invasive shade-tolerant ground cover plant, spreading rapidly by sending out rhizomes, and outcompeting and blocking other plants.
Benefits: Pollinated by bees and hoverflies.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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