Today I was at one of the Edmonton Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations and noticed the mistake of one who should have known better. I assume a city employee was instructed to plant there! I should hope it wasn't a rogue gardener! At any rate it is growing everywhere, including in the junipers!
Rather attractive in a pot in the store with light green and cream variegated leaves and creamy clusters of flowers held up above the foliage on thin long stems, the innocent gardener may be fooled. It is enticing in its ability to grow in sun or shade, dry or moist conditions, regardless of the Ph. But beware! Goutweed has its purposes but I recommend strongly that you create a very deep border/barrier to prevent spread beyond the selected location.
I feel for the poor soul who is assigned the task of eliminating this "weed" from the LRT station grounds or for the gardener who was drawn in by its virtues. Don't try to pull out this one! Digging it out, using the "smother" method (wherein you cover completely with thick black plastic to cook it out or old carpet), or Roundup seem to be the only methods that have proven effective in eliminating this plant. When digging, dig down, lift the runner roots completely, and remove. If root is left, it will regrow. Remove flowers as they will seed themselves too.
