Plant Identification - Ask Extension
Hello. I have this plant that is growing wild in my back yard and I cannot identify it. It is pretty and I don't want to rip it out. I have a dog an...
Knowledgebase
Plant Identification #137003
Asked June 26, 2013, 1:47 PM EDT
Hello. I have this plant that is growing wild in my back yard and I cannot identify it. It is pretty and I don't want to rip it out. I have a dog and children that run around my yard and I am worried that it may be poisonous. Could you tell me if it is safe?
Montgomery County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Hi, and thank you for using the Ask
an Expert System.
The plant in the photographs is Houttuynia cordata also known as lizard tail, chameleon plant, heartleaf, fishwort and bishop's weed. The plants you have are a wild variety of the plant. Cultivated varieties may have multicolored leaves. The wild plant is not native to the U.S. and can become invasive. That is it may grow faster and spread farther than you would like.
The plant is not poisonous; in fact in some cultures its leaves are eaten. Some say that it has a fish like taste and aroma and it is sometimes called fish mint. As with any invasive plant you are reminded to not allow it to spread from your property, especially into wild areas where it can quickly replace native wildflowers.
The plant in the photographs is Houttuynia cordata also known as lizard tail, chameleon plant, heartleaf, fishwort and bishop's weed. The plants you have are a wild variety of the plant. Cultivated varieties may have multicolored leaves. The wild plant is not native to the U.S. and can become invasive. That is it may grow faster and spread farther than you would like.
The plant is not poisonous; in fact in some cultures its leaves are eaten. Some say that it has a fish like taste and aroma and it is sometimes called fish mint. As with any invasive plant you are reminded to not allow it to spread from your property, especially into wild areas where it can quickly replace native wildflowers.
Thank you so much. I have no idea where it came from being that it is not native to the US. But I feel much better knowing that it is not poisonous. I plan to dig it up and put it in a pot. Have a wonderful day.
