Invasive Weed - Ask Extension
I have this weird weed growing and multiplying in my yard and garden. What is it, where did it come from and how do I get rid of it. I've been spr...
Knowledgebase
Invasive Weed #330272
Asked June 08, 2016, 5:53 PM EDT
I have this weird weed growing and multiplying in my yard and garden. What is it, where did it come from and how do I get rid of it. I've been spraying it with weed killer for the last 3 years but the weed seems to be winning and spreading.
Ogemaw County Michigan
Expert Response
This is broad-leaved helleborine (Epipactic helleborine), which, as you have discovered, is a very difficult weed to control. Please refer to a recent article at the following link for additional information: http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/homeowners_battling_a_weedy_orchid_invading_lawns_and_flowerbeds
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Is there anything else this could be? A few years ago I let one grow to see if it would bloom and it got something that looked like a bud at the very top but then it curled over, turned brown and wilted and that was it. It didn't get pretty orchid like flowers on it.
I'm uncertain why the flower was as you described but, regrettably, this is definitely Epipactic helleborine.
