The ground-elder (Aegopodium podagraria) is in the carrot family (Apiaceae) that grows in shady places. It is sometimes also cited as "ground elder", though this format invites confusion by suggesting it is a species of elder (Sambucus), an unrelated genus. It is also known as herb gerard, bishop's weed, goutweed, and snow-in-the-mountain. It is the type species of the genus Aegopodium.
      The tender leaves have been used as a spring leaf vegetable, much as spinach was used. It has also been used to treat gout and arthritis. The plant is said to have been introduced into England by the Romans as a food plant and into Northern Europe by monks. It is best picked from when it appears (as early as February in the UK) through to just before it flowers (May to June). If it is picked after this point it takes on an unusual taste and a laxative effect. However you can stop the plant from flowering by pinching out the flowers, ensuring that the plant remains edible if used more sparingly as a pot herb.