View source for Ground-elder

{{SPlantbox
|familia=Apiaceae
|genus=Aegopodium
|species=podagraria
|common_name=Ash weed, Bishop's weed, Goutweed, Ground ash, Ground elder, Herb gerard
|name_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
|habit=herbaceous
|habit_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
|Min ht box=10
|Min ht metric=in
|Max ht box=36
|Max ht metric=in
|height_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
|Min wd box=10
|Min wd metric=in
|Max wd box=36
|Max wd metric=in
|width_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
|lifespan=perennial
|life_ref=Sunset National Garden Book
|exposure=sun
|sun_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
|water=moderate
|water_ref=Sunset National Garden Book
|features=edible, invasive, foliage
|flower_season=early summer, mid summer, late summer
|flower_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
|flowers=red, pink, white
|Temp Metric=°F
|min_zone=3
|usda_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
|max_zone=9
|sunset_zones=1-9, 12, 14-24, 30-45
|image=Ground-elder.jpg
|image_width=240
|image_caption=Ground-elder
}}
The '''ground-elder''' (''Aegopodium podagraria'') is a perennial plant in the carrot family ([[Apiaceae]]) that grows in shady places. Its name is also sometimes spelled "ground elder", though this format invites confusion with [[Elderberry|elder]] (''Sambucus''), a very distantly related genus with visually similar leaves. Ground-elder is also known as '''herb gerard''', '''bishop's weed''', '''goutweed''', and '''snow-in-the-mountain'''. It is the [[type species]] of the genus ''[[Aegopodium]]''.

The tender [[Leaf|leaves]] have been used as a spring [[leaf vegetable]], much as [[spinach]] was used. It is best picked from when it appears (as early as February in the UK) to just before it flowers (May to June). If it is picked after this point it takes on an unusual taste and a laxative effect. However it can be stopped from flowering by pinching out the flowers, ensuring that the plant remains edible if used more sparingly as a pot herb.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.edible-plants.com/groundelder.html
|title = Ground Elder - Bishops Weed (Aegopodium podagraria)
|publisher = Edible Plants
|date = 2009
|accessdate = 2010-02-15}}</ref>

A variegated form is grown as an [[ornamental plant]], though with the advice to keep it isolated.

Aegopodium podagraria, Linn., var. variegatum, Hort. Twelve to 14 in.—A rapid-growing variegated form of this European weed, which makes attractive mats of white-margined foliage. Common in yards, and planted as edging and mats against buildings and in shady places. Prop. readily by division, and of simplest cult.{{SCH}}

:''More information about this species can be found on the [[Aegopodium|genus page]].''

==Cultivation==
In some areas, this plant is considered among the worst of weeds, as it readily spreads over large areas of ground by underground [[rhizome]]s.  It is extremely invasive, and crowds out native species.  The smallest piece of rhizome left in the ground will quickly form a sturdy new plant, followed by many more.

If a small plant finds its way into a perennial flower garden it will spread with vigor, resist all attempts at eradication, and make continued ornamental gardening there very difficult. 

===Propagation===


===Pests and diseases===


==Varieties==


==Gallery==
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==References==
<references/>
<!--- xxxxx  *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381  -->
<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432  -->
<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->

==External links==
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