Goutweed

~ By Lenekathinka ~

In our herbaceous border we have a lot of Goutweed, known in Danish as Skvalderkål. Other names it is known by is Ground-Elder (Aegopodium podagraria), Herb Gerard, Bishop's weed, and Snow-In-The-Mountains. It is a member of the carrot family and thrives in shaded areas.

This is one of the worst invasive plants to have around because it comes back year after year spreading quickly over and under the earth by throwing seeds and by weaving a network of underground roots. The smallest piece of root left in place after working the ground will quickly form a new healthy plant and just continue growing. It is almost impossible to get rid of once it gets out of control destroying the chances of our other herbaceous plants to look beautiful as much the can.

The best solution to remove Goutweed is to empty beds. Remove all the perennials and shrubs, and drive them away. Are there plants that should be saved, try to clean their roots very closely for Aegopodium and plant them temporarily in a new bed. But remember that there is great risk that comes with this weed. Wait at least a year before planting your perennials and shrubs again. You can also choose to cover soil with black plastic and let it lie in two growing seasons. It kills the Goutweed because it can not survive without light.

As you can see it takes a long time to rid yourself of Goutweed even in the worst years but it can be done if you are willing to sacrifice time and effort into it beginning with a small area at a time. Otherwise, the task becomes unmanageable.

When visiting Greenhouses in search of bedding plants for those problem areas, a variegated form of Goutweed is available as an ornamental plant, but if you get any its best to keep it isolated and away from other plants you don't want to be interfered with.

This plant is of benefit for some Butterflies including the Dot Moth, Grey Dagger and Grey Pug and is also edible for humans. The tender leaves have been used as a spring leaf vegetable much as you would use spinach and are best when picked as soon as it appears through to just before it flowers in May to June.

Here is a Recipe for Carrot Soup using Wild Goutweed

Ingredients:

150 g finely chopped onion
100 grams celery, diced
750 g finely chopped carrots
1 litre chicken stock
1 tbsp. tomato paste
salt and white pepper
1 cup cream

Fry the onion, add celery, carrots, broth, puree and let it whirl under the lid for approx. 30 minutes. Rub the soup through a sieve or blend it and pour it back into a saucepan and add the spices, and cream. Heat the soup before serving. Serve with a dollop of cold sour cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped wild herbs such as Goutweed, Chickweed, etc.

Resources Used:

http://www.en.wikipedea.org

Image of variegated Goutweed by Gregory Phillips

http://www.idenyt.dk/artikler_show.asp?show=12007
Maria Kristensen, idényt No. 5, 2005

         

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