Ground ivy, Glechoma hederacea
Species characteristics
Ground ivy is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae (previously Labiatae). Ground ivy is also known as creeping Charlie, gill-over-the-ground, and, by some New Englanders, as robin-runaway or run-away-robin. This perennial weed reproduces by seed and creeping, prostrate stems that root at the nodes. Opposite leaves are round to kidney-shaped with round-toothed margins. Leaves are dark green with long petioles that arise from the creeping stems. Leaves are usually purplish is the spring during the flowering period. Flowering takes place in the spring; the bluish-purple flowers are two-lipped and funnel-shaped growing in axillary clusters. Flowers have a white throat with dark violet spots. While ground ivy is very shade tolerant, it can also be problematic is sunny turf and landscape areas. Ground ivy easily makes the list of “tough-to-manage” turf and landscape weeds.
Management Strategies
A two-pronged approach is usually recommended since ground ivy commonly occurs in both the turf and landscape areas on a particular site. Often when ground ivy is effectively managed in one setting, it will spread to another over time.
Landscape
As with all weeds, landscape mulch should be your first defense. At the first site of incursion, ground ivy can be treated with a directed-spray of glyphosate. Those seeking non-chemical control strategies can consider non-chemical products. These products are contact in nature and contain acetic acid, clove oil or orange extract, either singly or in combination. These products are not an effective choice for controlling perennial weeds, but since ground ivy does not reproduce by creeping roots, rhizomes or a taproot, they can be used for managing ground ivy.
Turf
Despite being considered one of the toughest turf weeds, management is relatively straightforward. The most active turf herbicide on ground ivy is triclopyr. Triclopyr is a common active ingredient in many broadleaf turf herbicide combinations. Some turf products contain triclopyr alone. The addition of dicamba to triclopyr or products that contain both triclopyr and dicamba are also good options. Applications of these products in the spring or summer will slow ground ivy but effective control will not be achieved. For the best control, products should be applied from mid-September to mid-October. Applications after mid-October can be done as long as ground ivy is still actively growing and green leaves are present. Turf areas containing large amounts of ground ivy and other weeds may require renovation following a broadcast application of glyphosate.
Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Weed Specialist
