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Q&A – What is this weed? - Chameleon Plant

Question:
I have a weed growing in my yard. What is it?

Answer:
Houttuynia cordata has several common names: Chameleon Plant, hootenanny. Andy Williams from Lichterman Nature Center says there are many variations in the leaves of this plant, some are green others variegated or have red leaf margins. There are named cultivars. It is used as an herb in some areas of the world. It likes part sun and moist soil but it can become invasive. It will not outcompete native plants because of its site requirements but can take over in those areas. In some states, it is unwelcome.  People often grow it near ponds. To remove it you need to dig it out because it spreads by rhizomes. If you plant it in a container or another area where you stop the rhizomes spreading you can keep it contained.

Related Resources:
Chameleon Plant Fact Sheet
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search