Goutweed Plant Care
Aegopodium komarovii (Karjagin) Pimenov & Zakharova
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's striking variegated foliage with creamy white edges and dark green centers is its most distinctive visual feature. Originating from Eastern Asia, specifically Russia and Japan, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique and eye-catching appearance that adds a pop of color and texture to any garden.
Every 7–10 days
Part shade to full shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Goutweed?
Water Goutweed every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Goutweed?
Goutweed (Aegopodium komarovii) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Aegopodium genus. Goutweed is native to China, Japan. Goutweed is also known as Ground Elder.
Goutweed displays a spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Goutweed produces small white umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Goutweed?
Aegopodium komarovii requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Goutweed Need?
Goutweed thrives in part shade to full shade. Avoid placing Goutweed in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Goutweed Prefer?
Aegopodium komarovii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Goutweed prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Goutweed?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Goutweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Goutweed?
Feed Goutweed every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Goutweed?
Divide and replant every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Goutweed?
Goutweed can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to goutweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Goutweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Goutweed?
Goutweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Goutweed is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aegopodium genus — compare its care with other Aegopodium species on PlantoScan.
Aegopodium is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Goutweed copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aegopodium komarovii (Karjagin) Pimenov & Zakharova, family Apiaceae (first published in Willdenowia 42: 160 (2012)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Goutweed is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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