Aegopodium

/ˌiːɡəˈpoʊdiəm/ noun

Definition

A genus of low-growing perennial plants in the carrot family, including bishop's weed, often considered an invasive garden plant.

Etymology

From Greek aix (goat) plus pous (foot), literally meaning 'goat's foot,' supposedly because the plant resembles a goat's hoofprint or because goats particularly enjoy eating it.

Kelly Says

Bishop's weed is gardeners' nightmare and blessing—it spreads so aggressively underground that it chokes out other plants, but in medieval gardens monks actually planted it deliberately. The 'goat's foot' name makes sense once you see the leaf pattern that really does look like an animal print.

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