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27 Jan 2025

How to kill ground elder

A tough perennial weed that spreads by sending out long roots. Discover how to control it either with or without chemicals

Ceri ThomasEditor, Which? Gardening

Ceri studied horticulture at the University of Reading and RHS Wisley. She edits Which? Gardening magazine and our online gardening content.

In this article

Why is ground elder a problem weed?
What is the best method for controlling ground elder?
Are there concerns about glyphosate use?
What is the best organic control for ground elder?

Why is ground elder a problem weed?

Although is an excellent ground-cover plant, the horizontal roots of ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria) grow up to a metre a year, allowing it to spread and dominate borders in the blink of an eye. The mats of fat, white rhizomes store food to keep the plant going over winter, giving it great resilience to being weakened by removing its leaves, and if broken off can grow into a new plant.

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What is the best method for controlling ground elder?

When Which? Gardening magazine trialled methods of controlling ground elder, we found that spraying the ground elder under our hedge with carefully directed glyphosate was the quickest and easiest method of reducing the time we spent controlling it. Choose a hand-triggered spray if you only have a few plants to control, or a pumped spray if you have a large area to cover. Avoid splashing plants that you don’t want to kill.

Are there concerns about glyphosate use?

The main concern is that glyphosate can cause cancer. A second concern is the negative effect glyphosate use has on bee health. However it is legal to use.

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