big leaf weed with deep spreading roots

Jane B

We moved into a property a couple of years ago, with masses of this on the verge, which had also spread under the hedge and into the garden.  While we've been renovating the property, this has been getting worse (as has the blinking ground elder!!!).  Could somebody identify it for me please, so that I can try and find out how to eradicate it.  I have been digging away at small sections of it, but the roots are up to a foot deep, and spread everywhere (under the roots of other trees and shrubs) so are really difficult to deal with.  Many thanks in advance for any advice.  Jane

Marran

I think that is called Butterbur ..

Smudgerii

weedkiller.

LittleSpade

We have the same issue, do you find they have a strong unpleasant (IMO) smell? Be interesting to see what this is.

josusa47

Butterbur, Petasites spp.   A name which makes the appropriate anagram:  E, it's a pest.

robairdmacraignil

I would have guessed winter heliotrope but just read that this would be one of the butterburs.

Jane B

Thank you all.  Def seems to be Butterbur