Aegopodium podagraria -- Oregon

Aegopodium podagraria (goutweed) is an invasive perennial plant that can be exceedingly difficult to eradicate once established. Reproduction is primary through vegetative means through rhizomes, even the smallest of fragments, that often escape cultivated areas such as gardens. Aegopodium podagraria requires unusual environmental conditions to produce fruit and seeds. This species is found in sunny locations and shaded areas; shaded areas typically do not produce seeds, whereas areas in sunny locations can produce fruit then seeds. When seeds are produced, they also require unusual environmental conditions to germinate. This species seems most successful by seed germination when the ground is disturbed, such as ground scrapes. Then the seeds go through a period up to a year of morphophysiological dormancy, requiring a long cold stratification for successful germination. The unusual environmental conditions needed for seed germination make this species not of concern by seeding invasion. However, this species is considered vigorous in reproduction by vegetative means, forming dense colonies pushing out native species. Due to the aggressive vegetative reproduction of this species, it should be regarded as a potential invasive species.