Many plants spread underground in ways that can catch you off guard. You might plant something small, only to find it has taken over much more space than you expected. This underground growth can be tough to control once it starts.
Knowing which plants spread beneath the surface and how quickly they grow helps you protect your yard before it’s too late. Being aware early on lets you take action to keep your garden manageable and enjoyable.
Goutweed’s underground rhizomes can rapidly take over shaded garden areas.
If you have shaded spots in your garden, goutweed might quickly spread there. Its underground rhizomes grow extensively, sending shoots up in multiple directions.
This creeping root system allows goutweed to form dense mats that block other plants from growing. It can be tough to stop once it’s established.
To control it, you may need to cover the area with a black tarp to cut off light and slow its growth. Keep an eye on your garden to catch it early.
Mint spreads aggressively through underground runners, quickly dominating soil.
If you plant mint directly in your garden, it won’t stay put for long. Mint sends out underground runners called rhizomes that spread fast and take over nearby soil.
This means your mint patch can grow beyond its space and crowd out other plants. To keep it manageable, many gardeners recommend growing mint in containers or using barriers underground.
Japanese honeysuckle roots extend far, making it tough to control
You’ll find Japanese honeysuckle roots can grow deep and wide. In dry areas, the roots may reach up to 40 inches, which helps the plant survive tough conditions.
Because the roots spread underground, it’s easy for the vine to return even after you cut it back. This makes controlling it a challenge.
To manage it, you’ll need to remove all root parts or use herbicides carefully on new growth for the best results.
English ivy sends rootlets underground, smothering nearby plants.
You might notice English ivy sending out tiny rootlets beneath the soil. These rootlets spread quickly, often outcompeting the plants around them.
As the ivy grows, it can cover and smother nearby plants, blocking sunlight and nutrients. This makes it harder for your garden’s native plants to thrive.
If you want to protect your yard, regularly check for its underground growth and remove it before it takes over.
Kudzu’s vast root system can choke out native vegetation.
You might not notice kudzu at first, but its roots grow deep—sometimes up to 12 feet. This makes it tough to remove once it takes hold.
Kudzu spreads quickly, covering trees and plants, blocking sunlight. That leaves little room for native vegetation to grow.
If you spot kudzu, acting early helps protect your land and the plants you want to keep.
Purple loosestrife spreads via underground rhizomes in wetlands
You might notice purple loosestrife growing quickly in wetlands near you. This plant spreads through underground rhizomes, allowing it to expand its reach quietly but steadily.
Its roots send out new shoots, helping it form dense patches. This makes it tricky to control once established.
If you spot it early, removing the plants along with their roots can help protect your wetland areas.
Oriental bittersweet roots creep unnoticed beneath the soil
You might not see it at first, but oriental bittersweet sends out orange roots that spread quietly underground. These roots can regrow even if you cut or pull the plant without removing them all.
When you try to dig it up, you’ll find the roots often cling tightly to the soil. If you miss any pieces, the plant comes back season after season, making it a real challenge to control in your garden.
Crowding out plants by invasive perennials like bindweed happens underground.
You might not see it at first, but invasive perennials like bindweed spread extensively below the soil. Their roots and shoots grow quickly, taking up space and nutrients that your other plants need.
This underground crowding can choke out your garden plants before they even have a chance to grow. Managing these invaders early helps protect the health of your garden.
Root barriers can help contain spreading plants like mint or goutweed.
If you want to keep aggressive plants like mint or goutweed from taking over, root barriers are a handy tool.
These barriers stop roots from spreading underground beyond a defined area.
You’ll need to dig a trench about 28 inches deep and place the barrier inside it.
This helps you enjoy these plants without worrying about them crowding out other parts of your garden.
Frequent division of plants like ginger root restricts underground spread
You can control plants like ginger root by dividing them regularly. This helps prevent their roots from spreading too far underground.
When you divide the plant, you remove sections of its root system. This limits growth and keeps the plant from taking over your garden.
Doing this every year or season keeps the spread manageable. It also encourages healthier growth for your plants.
Using native aggressive spreaders can help outcompete invasives underground
You can use native plants that spread aggressively to challenge invasive species. These natives grow strong root systems that compete for space and resources beneath the soil.
By planting such natives after removing invasives, you give your garden a better chance to resist future invasions. This method helps protect your yard and supports local ecosystems at the same time.
Some plants fruit underground, like Pinanga subterranea, aiding unseen spread.
You might be surprised to learn that some plants, like Pinanga subterranea, actually fruit below the surface. This unique trait helps them spread without being noticed.
Because their flowers and fruits grow underground, it’s harder to spot them early. This underground habit lets them quietly expand across an area before you realize they’re there.