You make it sound bad!? I think that's it except for the ground hugging part...mine are very erect!

There is no doubt it is Houttuynia, which many consider to be the plant from hell. A much harder to eradicate groundcover than even goutweed, Aegopodium. There are tons of threads discussing this plant......check the past posts in Weeds or Groundcovers for more info. Also referred to as chameleon plant.

The only good news is Houttuynia cordata variegata is marginally easier to eradicate than the original, I did. All parts are edible. Mine had a lemon/peppery taste and I added leaves to salads. It can also be cooked. In different climates I hear it tastes different. Since you are below me yours might be tasty too.

It may be edible but the stink of rotten fish it emits is enough to put anyone off!

No fishy smell at all here.

This one sounds a bit sketchy...since a lot of the Pachysandra is going by the wayside, this one might be a gonner as well! Thanks, all!

"Heart-leaved houttuynia is a creeping herb with fleshy stems and a scent that has been described as lemon, sandalwood, coriander or raw fish."

"The parent of the line – Houttuynia cordata – has some interesting uses throughout Asia – using the name in China of "fishy-smell herb"; whilst the Japanese are happier with "poison blocking plant".

"Aside from being a non-native and invasive plant, it’s been described as having a fishy smell to it (a nickname is “fishmint”) or as one gardener so eloquently put it, with an aroma like a “petroleum and beef stew smell from a bad cafeteria.”

"Houttuynia Cordata is scientific name for this interesting herb variety. It has the taste and smell of fish."

Scents are very subjective. It may not smell bad to you but many people do find it very offensive.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/1699407/help-chameleon-plants-gone-wild

Wow...eye opening! And funny! Now I AM scared! LOL

I call it Fishweed. Oh dear is right.

There used to be a discussion here that I thought was called "Die Houttuynia Die" but I looked for it recently and couldn't find it, which didn't surprise me. The search thing on this site is insufficient and not effective at all.

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/1607453/die-houttuynia-die#n=22

So, I tried to smell it...nothing. I tried pulling a couple out...they broke off. I can see this is going to be a problem. LOL

I started eradicating this plant from my beds about 15 or so years ago. It still appears as a lone shoot once in a while. I hate this stuff!

I have no idea if it's a volunteer or if the PO planted it, but the variety of plants in this yard suggests the latter! I've never had a property with so many different plants!

Pulling will not work, as you have found. You’ll need to get in under it with a fork and tease out the roots.

Thank you, GG! You have more search skills than I do!