Aegopodium podagraria, commonly known as ground elder, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to a variety of habitats in Europe and Asia, including woodlands, hedgerows, and shaded areas along streams and rivers. It typically grows up to 39 inches (1 meter) tall and spreads vigorously, forming dense patches. The plant features compound leaves that are bright green and serrated, and it produces umbrella-shaped clusters of small, white flowers from late spring to early summer. The flowers are modest in appearance but can be somewhat showy when in large numbers.

Ground elder is valued for its rapid growth and ability to cover ground quickly, making it useful for filling in shady spots where other plants might struggle. However, it is often considered invasive outside its native range due to its aggressive spreading by rhizomes. In cultivation, it prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full shade to partial sun. It is commonly used as a ground cover or in naturalized areas but requires careful management to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.CC BY-SA 4.0