Creeping Charlie Glechoma hederacea Play pronunciation

Ground ivy is an invasive perennial broadleaf weed in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to Eurasia. This aromatic, evergreen creeper was introduced from Europe and can be quite weedy. It is often found on roadsides, lawns, shady spots, waste places, and thickets. Ground ivy is short and grows horizontally. Its stems are square, and the leaves are bright green, rounded, and heart-shaped with toothed edges. The tubular flowers bloom from April to June and are bluish-purple to light blue. It usually grows to 1 foot or less, branching frequently and forming a low-growing mat of stems and leaves across the ground. The roots form at each leaf node, which helps the plant spread along the ground surface.

Ground ivy prefers shade, moist conditions, and fertile, loamy soil where turf is thin or lacks ground cover. It spreads aggressively and is difficult to destroy without resorting to herbicides. In the hot summer weather, it tends to become dormant. It does not tolerate acidic or salt-contaminated soil. Reproduces by seeds and creeping stems.

This plant was originally brought to the United States for food and medicinal purposes.

 Ground ivy is a common lawn weed and is very conspicuous in the spring when its flowers are blooming. It is a difficult weed to control, but maintaining a dense, healthy lawn will help prevent this weed from establishing. It may be removed by hand, but it is essential to remove the entire plant; otherwise, it will reappear. 

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or insect problems. It tends to be invasive and is hard to eradicate. It is listed as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council. It is also listed as invasive in a report by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, entitled "The Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas."