How do I control goutweed (Aegopodium podagria) in turfgrass in Smyth County Virginia?
Recommendation: Goutweed is an aggressive invasive species that spreads by rhizomes and creates dense patches or colonies of plants that crowd out native vegetation. Selective chemical controls for goutweed in the home lawn are not known. Patches can be treated with glyphosate (Roundup) and the lawn reestablished with seed or sod after the existing turf and goutweed dies. Multiple treatments may be needed if goutweed recovers. Selective broadleaf chemicals that do not harm turfgrass include products that contain at least two of the following active ingredients: triclopyr, clopyralid, 2,4-D, MCPP, MCPA, and dicamba. These chemicals will kill desirable ornamental plants but will not harm turfgrass. These products have not been tested on goutweed. Repeated “low” mowing will help deplete carbohydrate reserves of goutweed if chemical controls are not used. Persistent hand pulling can supplement a mowing program.
