Help with Idenficiation, please

Hello
I wonder if anyone could help with naming this plant? Its always been on edge of my front lawn, despite numerous attempts to remove it over the years. It only grows to about 6-8ins, doesn't flower and dies back in winter. Its actually very good ground cover, but does creep along the edging a lot. When I strim it there is avery green smell, almost like melons. Very pliable stems, jagged toothed leaves, so not Balsam?

Many thanks

 

Could be Ground Elder.

 

Looks like Ground Elder Lesley.
You're right about it making good ground cover, a bit too good for many gardeners in fact.
You'll certainly need to keep it in check somehow, or it will spread all over the place!

 

Ah! Many thanks Zigs and Trunky. Have googled images for ground elder and yes, that is exactly what it is. Good job I've not let it go too far!!

Many many thanks

 

it does make quite a tasty "spring greens", if you pick the young leaves whilst they are still glossy, and lightly steam. Having said that, I've made every effort not to bring it with me to our new pad!

 

Hi Sian

That's interesting you should say that, - I was reading earlier that you can put it in omelettes, quiches and things and its also a medicinal plant, and the best way to get it out of your garden is to eat it!

 

Too true, it was cultivated in monks gardens as a medicinal herb.

 

Find a few nettles and you could make a very easy ground elder and nettle soup - back to nature!

 

I quite like the flavour. There's a subtle anniseed hint to it, and I find it a refreshing tang, at a lean time of the year greens-wise (and by regular picking of the young leaves, it does weaken the plant, so it flowers and spreads less). I think it goes really well with a slice or two of home-boiled ham, boiled tatties, and a good knob of butter :-). However, my hubby is reminded of the hours of work weeding it out when he eats it (it does sort of taste as it smells, if you know what I mean?), so doesn't enjoy eating it!

 

Don't eat Nettles at this time of year unless you like weeing razor blades

If you want to eat them, cut down the old flowered plants and wait for new growth, that also gives catterpilars something to munch, as they know to stop eating them after they've flowered.