Heart-shaped leaf invasive ground cover? - Ask Extension
This heart-shaped-leaf low-growing plants (maybe highest it gets is 8") has taken over parts of the lawn when it's not mown and is now in another area...
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Heart-shaped leaf invasive ground cover? #410704
Asked June 29, 2017, 1:55 PM EDT
This heart-shaped-leaf low-growing plants (maybe highest it gets is 8") has taken over parts of the lawn when it's not mown and is now in another area I don't want it. I pulled out one young plants and could see that it spreads by root shoots under the ground. The heart-shaped leaf has sort of a saw-tooth edge to it. It doesn't flower. I'm sure it's invasive and what's the best way to get rid of it?
Albany County New York
Expert Response
This is colts foot (Tussilago farfara), a perennial herb in the Aster family, which is native to Europe and has a long history of being used as a cough remedy. ('Tussilago' comes from the Latin 'tussis' which means cough.)
According to the Southeast Exotic Pest Council, "Initial infestations may be controlled by hand pulling. It is critical that all of the underground portions of the plant are removed. Pulling when the ground is moist may make it easier to remove the entire plant. Residual roots left in the soil may resprout and possibly create several new plants. Hand pull before the plant has set seed to reduce the further spread." Here's some additional information:
http://articles.extension.org/pages/65846/tussilago-farfara-coltsfoot
https://www.se-eppc.org/manual/TUFA.html
According to the Southeast Exotic Pest Council, "Initial infestations may be controlled by hand pulling. It is critical that all of the underground portions of the plant are removed. Pulling when the ground is moist may make it easier to remove the entire plant. Residual roots left in the soil may resprout and possibly create several new plants. Hand pull before the plant has set seed to reduce the further spread." Here's some additional information:
http://articles.extension.org/pages/65846/tussilago-farfara-coltsfoot
https://www.se-eppc.org/manual/TUFA.html
