Eradicating Chameleon Plant: Battling a Beautiful but Aggressive Invader

Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata) and its partner-in-crime yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) are attractive but aggressively invasive. After two years, they can smother neighboring perennials. Digging often leaves behind root fragments that resprout.

The most effective approach: dig infested areas, separate desired plants, heap contaminated soil in an isolated mound, and spot-spray emerging chameleon plant with glyphosate until eradicated. This worked for the State Botanical Garden and Callaway Gardens with similar invaders. Both plants are still sold in garden centers—buyer beware.

yellow archangel