Ground-elder

The ground-elder (Aegopodium podagraria) is a common weed in the carrot family (Apiaceae), that grows in shady places. Sometimes also cited as 'ground elder', this format invites confusion by suggesting it is a species of elder (Sambucus), an unrelated genus. It is also known as goutweed, herb gerard, bishop's weed or snow-in-the-mountain.

The tender leaves were used as a spring leaf vegetable much like spinach. It was also used to treat gout and arthritis. It is said to have been introduced into England by the Romans and into northern Europe by monks.

In some areas this plant is considered among the worst of weeds, readily spreading over large areas of ground by underground roots. A variegated form is grown as an ornamental, though with the advice to keep it isolated.

Other species

The genus Aegopodium contains four other species, native to Europe and Asia, including:

• Aegopodium alpestre
• Aegopodium kashmiricum

External links

Section Herbal information

• Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria) Mrs. Grieve's "A Modern Herbal" @ Botanical.com