Quick answer
The fastest way to remove ground elder is to dig out the rhizomes completely and block regrowth with mulch.
Ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria) is a perennial weed that spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes. Removing it requires persistence and the right technique.
What you’ll need
- Garden fork
- Gloves
- Bucket
- Mulch or weed membrane
Step by step
- 1
Loosen the soil
Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the root system. Do not chop the roots, as even small fragments can regrow.
- 2
Remove rhizomes
Gently lift the plant and follow the white rhizomes, removing every piece you can find.
- 3
Mulch heavily
Cover the cleared area with a thick layer of mulch or a weed-suppressing membrane to block light.
Do not compost ground elder unless you have a hot composting system. The rhizomes can survive and spread.
Frequently asked
Can ground elder grow back?
Yes, even small rhizome fragments can regrow. Consistency is key.
Is ground elder edible?
Yes, the young leaves are edible and were historically used as a medicinal herb.
How long does it take to fully get rid of ground elder?
Expect at least one full growing season, often two. Even careful digging leaves rhizome fragments that resprout, so you'll be pulling regrowth for months. Staying on top of it — removing new shoots before they build energy — is what eventually exhausts the roots.
Will covering the area with cardboard or membrane kill it?
Light-blocking helps but rarely finishes the job alone. Ground elder can survive a season under thick cardboard or weed membrane and push out at the edges. Use covering to weaken a large patch, then dig out the survivors, rather than relying on it as a single fix.
