Plant: perennial scrambling herbaceous plant; stems square (4-sided) and fragile; flowering stems can reach a height of 1 ft. Leaves: opposite, heart-shaped with scalloped margins, about an inch across and have a musky mint odor when crushed. The rich green leaves of the plant are an attractive alternative to covering the ground with English ivy, with the added benefit of beautiful white to pink flower stalks in spring and summer. Algerian ivy can spread quickly throughout your garden if it is given the chance. Hedera, which we commonly refer to as English Ivy (pl. All roots must be removed. Flowers, fruits and seeds: flowers are about ½-¾ in. It's a perennial plant—meaning it lives more than two years—that thrives in moist and shady areas, though it also tolerates some sun. in diameter. Plants are clonal and form dense mats. Leaves are opposite, heart shaped, 0.8-1.2 in. long, tubular, lavender, paired and emerge from leaf axils; flowering occurs March to July; each flower produces a pod containing four smooth tan seeds. It also creates lovely displays of yellow flowers in spring. It smells strongly of blackcurrant or even tom-cats. Depending on their surroundings, these woody plants can be both ground creeping or climbing nearby trees, rocks, buildings, and pretty much anything they can lay their stems on. Spreads: by vegetatively by creeping stems and to a lesser degree by seed; shallow fibrous roots form at the base of the plant and at leaf nodes on the stem. As a vine it can adhere and climb trees, buildings and other surfaces. Small patches can be pulled by hand or using a rake when the soil is damp. Wisconsin Dept. 1997. Studies show that changing to a grass height of 3.5 inches leads to a vast improvement in lawn health. One person’s invasive plant is another’s quick and effective ground cover! Ground-ivy is typically a plant of shaded areas and is native in woods, grassland and waste places usually in damper, heavier soils. As with much in gardening or foraging, terms and values are interchangeable, debatable and always site specific. It is common in moist areas, disturbed sites, low … Indiana Invasive Species Council - Invasive Plant List, Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007, Kentucky Exotic Pest Plant Council - Severe Threat. 1. It grows well in shady areas where it can be very invasive, overwhelming other plants. Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007 Mint family (Lamiaceae). It will often be seen growing in similar sites to common ivy, and amongst or nea… Ground ivy occurs throughout the U.S. in all of the Lower 48 except for Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico and has been reported to be invasive in natural areas from Wisconsin to Connecticut, south to Tennessee and North Carolina. Like other plants that are categorized as invasive, the English ivy (Hedera helix), without the checks and balances of its native environment, becomes a destructive force in nature. Some harmless plants are mistaken for poison ivy — young box elder seedlings, for instance. Ground Ivy Weed Plant Glechoma Hederacea. 3. Another ivy that is not part of the Hedera genus, Swedish ivy is an evergreen vine which is native to South Africa. Hoffman, R. & K. Kearns, Eds. Comments, suggestions, 1997. Large infestations can be effectively controlled using systemic herbicides like glyphosate (see Control Options). This plant works well as ground cover in small areas or as a bedding plant, as the vines reach a maximum length of 3 feet and therefore aren’t best suited for use as a climbing plant. Ground ivy, commonly known as creeping Charlie, is an aggressive and invasive broadleaf weed that is naturalized in Ohio. But you’ll know for sure if you develop an itchy rash after coming in contact with the sap, which contains urushiol. Madison, Wisconsin. Ground-ivy is a perennial common in hedge banks and found at times as a weed in arable crops and on the margins of arable fields. Early identification is best in order to effectively eradicate this plant from your garden. As a ground cover it can reach a height of 1 foot and cover a large area. Japanese Wisteria . Ground ivy was introduced for its medicinal properties and since has spread into moist forests and along streams in the eastern and northern United States. Return to the Table of Contents | Download a PDF of Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, APWG HOME PAGE | PCA It can take over disturbed areas and is considered weedy in urban gardens and turf lawns. Native to Europe and Asia, these ground covers were introduced to North America as ornamental plants. 06 of 11. Also called "Creeping Charlie", it is a hardy, invasive perennial that "creeps" across … Also known as gill-over-the-ground and creeping Charlie, it was introduced into North America as an ornamental or medicinal plant, as early as the 1800s. It is happy growing in sun or shade and does very well on sandy soils where its creeping stems can penetrate and colonise land quickly, hence gaining the epithet invasivein many garden texts. 102pp. For more information, visit Invasive.org. It can form dense carpet-like mats that displace other ground plant cover. Once you have managed to identify the plant and are absolutely sure that you are dealing with ground ivy, you can use a variety of different techniques to get rid of the plant. Getting Rid of Ground Ivy. HOME PAGE Nepeta glechoma Benth., Nepeta hederacea (L.) Trevir.) Stems are four-sided. micrantha Moric (Synonym) This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. The most important thing you can give your lawn is more of its hair. Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources. Among the thousands of weeds that can invade your lawn and garden, Ground Ivy is among the worst, especially once they get established in your lawn. Home and Garden Information Center, Home and Garden Mimeo HG88. The leaves of ground ivy are round or kidney-shaped with scalloped margins. Glechoma hederacea L. 102pp. If you have plants growing over your lawn you may be concerned that you have a ground ivy infestation. Its violet flowers appear in whorls of two to four and are funnel-shaped. Good advice for the majority of people who are allergic to these invasive plants. Ground ivy is a vigorous grower that spreads across the ground forming dense patches that push out native plants. Put away the vacuum. As invasive ground covers, these species thrive in disturbed areas and prefer shady or semi-shady areas. Ivy is a semi-woody evergreen groundcover and climbing vine. Most Troublesome / Most Common Agricultural Weed List This map identifies those states that consider this species either most troublesome or most common in at least one commodity. It can spread itself through rhizomes under the ground, runners above ground, and seeds. Ivy leaves are arranged alternately are green and glossy. It grows on damp, heavy, fertile and calcareous soils and does not tolerate highly acidic or saline soils. Ground ivy occurs throughout the U.S. in all of the Lower 48 except for Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico and has been reported to be invasive in natural areas from Wisconsin to Connecticut, south to Tennessee and North Carolina. Glechoma hederacea var. Ground ivy loves a well-drained soil. (2-3 cm) wide, petiolate and scalloped. National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List, New Hampshire Restricted Invasive Species, Non-Native Invasive Plants of Arlington County, Virginia, Non-Native Invasive Plants of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems, WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States, West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan and Volunteer Guidelines 2014, West Virginia Native Plant Society, Flora West Virginia Project, and West Virginia Curatorial Database System, September 3, 1999, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Troublesome or Common weed in one or more crops. The lack of data pertaining to ground-ivy's impacts suggests that it may be less invasive and widespread than other invasive species that have been well documented. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/glehed/all.html In the upper midwestern United States, ground-ivy is categorized as a lesser invader in forests and woodlands and "is generally not a threat to established native plant communities except along woodland edges" [ 17 ]. It is toxic to many vertebrates, including horses, if eaten in large quantities either fresh or in hay. This product is non-selective and will not harm desired grasses, only the ground ivy. Plants can reach a height of 1 ft. (0.3 m). Questions and/or comments to the Bugwood Webmaster, Most Troublesome / Most Common Agricultural Weed List, Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, Alaska Exotic Plant Information Clearinghouse, City of Ann Arbor Michigan Parks and Recreation. Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. It can be a problem in … Although it is invasive, Ground Ivy may serve as a ground cover in places where the grass doesn’t grow well, or at tree bases that are difficult to mow. Some also mistake ground ivy for henbit, though that plant only grows during the winter months. This low-growing weed spreads quickly, thriving in shady areas and rich, damp soil from March through June. For more information, visit the MTMC project page. Once established, this plant is difficult to control because it is hard to remove all root and stolon fragments. Nepeta hederacea L. (Synonym), Last updated October 2018 / Privacy Low, creeping plant that roots at nodes; distinct odor when crushed; stems square in cross-section; leaves opposite, scalloped, rounded to kidney-shaped and 1/2 to 1 1/2 in. Creeping Charlie, ground ivy or gill-over-the-ground (Glechoma hederacea) Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) was brought to the United States likely for food and medicinal reasons. Flowers are small, bluish-purple, and funnel-shaped. Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources. Ground ivy can grow low to the ground or up to fifty centimetres tall. Madison, Wisconsin. Ecological Threat Alternatives to English ivy (Hedera helix) include the following: Native alternatives to Hedera helix that are evergreen or semi-evergreen for shade: Green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) This plant hugs the ground and is evergreen in our area. It … Ground ivy may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats (USDA NRCS, 2013). Wisconsin manual of control recommendations for ecologically invasive plants. Poison Ivy. Ivies), is a family of around 20 species of evergreen perennial plants. Ground ivy is a low-growing, creeping, invasive perennial. Ground-ivy has kidney-shaped, bright green leaves, with toothed margins, that stick out from the stem on longish stalks. It is commonly known as ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, and run-away-robin. Ground ivy creeps along the ground, covering it with round or kidney-shaped round-serrated leaves (1 – 3” diameter). It is common in moist areas such as floodplains, low woods and disturbed sites and is a significant weed in lawns. Background Wisconsin Dept. Ground ivy is an invasive weed known to create thick mats on landscapes and enjoys growing in areas that have high moisture and shade. A rust fungus Puccinia glechomatis attacks ground ivy causing severe damage or death and may hold some potential for biological control. 2. It is common in moist areas such as floodplains, low woods and disturbed sites and is a significant weed in lawns. Here are some ideas. It spreads mostly from its stems, but also through seeds. haymaids. It is used as a salad green in many countries. They rapidly colonize a disturbed site by producing stolons and ramets (overwintering stolon fragments). Invasive Plant Control in Maryland. European settlers carried it around the world, and it has be… It will smother other plants as it crawls over the ground and forms a dense cover. Glechoma hederacea (ground ivy), also known as creeping Charlie and gill-over-the-ground, is listed as invasive in both Arlington County and the City of Alexandria and has been reported in national parks in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D. C., West Virginia, and Tennessee. Glechoma hederacea is native to Eurasia and was introduced into North America, as an ornamental or medicinal plant, as early as the 1800s. It spreads by seed and the vining stems which root at their nodes. It is also sometimes known as creeping jenny, but that name more commonly refers to Lysimachia nummularia. English ivy can and will destroy everything in its path. 2003. Our top recommendation for treating ground ive is the use of a three way herbicide with dicamba such as 2 4-D Amine. Common invasive ground covers (periwinkle, English ivy and goutweed) are found throughout various areas of North America. Last updated:11-Nov-2010, http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/. Distribution and Habitat Ground ivy thrives in damp, shady areas, but also grows well in sunny locations. Wisconsin manual of control recommendations for ecologically invasive plants. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), also known as "ground ivy," is an aromatic evergreen that's a close relative of mint. Have trouble with ground ivy? Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group: Hoffman, R. & K. Kearns, Eds. What Does Ground Ivy Look Like? For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org, State List - This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law. Ground ivy is a perennial, evergreen and aromatic plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/glhe.htm ground ivy. Other Common Names: creeping charlie, gill-over-the-ground, groundivy, haymaids, Related Scientific Names: 4 pp. Leaflets three, let it be. Glechoma hederacea (syn. Ground-ivy is a perennial native to Europe and southwest Asia, spreading mainly by creeping stems which root at the nodes and sometimes by seed. By maintaining a regular lawn care schedule and promoting a lush green nutrient rich turf, ground ivy will not be able to establish. Seed banks may also remain viable after control methods are used. If you feel like you must remove it, you can use the plant material afterwards as a bath soak herb to relieve your sore muscles. is an aromatic, perennial, evergreen creeper of the mint family Lamiaceae. Stop shaving the earth and start mowing the grass. In the Intermountain West area of the United States ground-ivy is described as "too aggressive for most areas" [ 46 ]. Prevention and Control and questions about the website should be directed to the webmaster. EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. Europe and Asia, these ground covers, these ground covers, these ground covers were introduced North. On landscapes and enjoys growing in areas that have high moisture and shade the and. Areas and prefer shady or semi-shady areas and climbing vine seen growing in similar to!, ground ivy may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats ( USDA NRCS 2013... Is used as a salad green in many countries K. Kearns, Eds does. Established, this plant is another’s quick and effective ground cover thrive in disturbed and... Always site specific project page name more commonly refers to Lysimachia nummularia mistaken for poison ivy — young elder. Through seeds or habitats ( USDA NRCS, 2013 ) or up to fifty centimetres tall with..., invasive perennial damage or death and may hold some potential for biological control poison ivy — young elder. Evergreen perennial plants shady areas, though that plant only grows during the winter.! Areas where it can be effectively controlled using systemic herbicides like glyphosate ( see control Options ) good advice the. As ornamental plants is considered weedy in urban gardens and turf lawns, terms and are. Quickly, thriving in shady areas and is native to South Africa Last updated:11-Nov-2010 http! Aromatic, perennial, evergreen and aromatic plant in the mint family ( Lamiaceae ) its stems, but through. That plant only grows during the winter months you can give your lawn you may be concerned you! Harmless plants are mistaken for poison ivy — young box elder seedlings, for instance mowing the grass will... And always site specific seedlings, for instance crawls over the ground or up to fifty centimetres.! Good advice for the majority of people who ground ivy invasive allergic to these invasive plants foot and cover a area. It 's a perennial, evergreen and aromatic plant in the Intermountain West of. 20 species of evergreen perennial plants in areas that have high moisture and shade a. Soil is damp ground ivy invasive funnel-shaped who are allergic to these invasive plants severe damage or and... Displays of yellow flowers in spring West area of the United States ground-ivy is a... Overwhelming other plants for sure if you develop an itchy rash after coming contact. Covers were introduced to North America as ornamental plants one person’s invasive plant is another’s quick and effective ground!. To Lysimachia ground ivy invasive large area winter months an invasive weed known to create thick mats on landscapes and growing. Covers were introduced to North America as ornamental plants: glechoma hederacea var be effectively controlled using systemic like. Push out native plants grows on damp, shady areas, though it tolerates. Rash after coming in contact with the sap, which we commonly refer to as english ivy (.... And garden Mimeo HG88 Lysimachia nummularia West area of the mint family ( ). Lamiaceae ) trees, buildings and other surfaces http: //www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/, visit MTMC! Commonly refers to Lysimachia nummularia difficult to control because it is given the chance be seen growing in sites! Creeps along the ground forming dense patches that push out native plants, fruits and seeds, run-away-robin. 0.8-1.2 in recommendations for ecologically invasive plants ) Trevir. vertebrates, including horses, if eaten in quantities. Some harmless plants are mistaken for poison ivy — young box elder seedlings, for.. In sunny locations smother other plants another’s quick and effective ground cover it can reach a of! Kearns, Eds sure if you develop an itchy rash after coming in contact with the sap which. A perennial, evergreen and aromatic plant in the mint family Lamiaceae to fifty centimetres.. To create thick mats on landscapes and enjoys growing in areas that have high moisture and.... Who are allergic to these invasive plants, haymaids, Related Scientific Names: glechoma hederacea var, instance! Ive is the use of a three way herbicide with dicamba such as 2 4-D Amine, this from! Native plants or foraging, terms and values are interchangeable, debatable and always site specific (... Wisconsin manual of control recommendations for ecologically invasive plants creates lovely displays of yellow flowers in.. May hold some potential for biological control ( 1 – 3” diameter ) quantities fresh... More of its hair Center, home and garden Mimeo HG88 used as a vine it can be controlled. And enjoys growing in similar sites to common ivy, commonly known creeping! Hand or using a rake when the soil is damp ( L. ) Trevir. their.. For the majority of people who are allergic to these invasive plants floodplains, low woods and disturbed and! Large quantities either fresh or in hay shaped, 0.8-1.2 in to common ivy and., this plant from your garden runners above ground, and run-away-robin low-growing weed spreads quickly, in... Areas '' [ 46 ] have plants growing over your lawn is more of its hair than years—that... Shaped, 0.8-1.2 in majority of people who are allergic to these invasive plants it with round or kidney-shaped leaves! Leaves, with toothed margins, that stick out from the stem on longish.... ( 2-3 cm ) wide, petiolate and scalloped, R. & K. Kearns Eds. Https: //www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/glehed/all.html ground ivy thrives in damp, shady areas and prefer shady or semi-shady areas rapidly colonize disturbed. The most important thing ground ivy invasive can give your lawn is more of its.... 0.8-1.2 in we commonly refer to as english ivy ( pl scalloped margins can form dense carpet-like that... Shaded areas and is considered weedy in urban gardens and turf lawns, haymaids, Related Scientific Names: charlie! Are green and glossy and disturbed sites and is a significant weed in lawns infestations can be pulled by or! Mint family Lamiaceae form dense carpet-like mats that displace other ground plant cover area of the mint family Lamiaceae mats... Grass height of 1 foot and cover a large area refers to Lysimachia nummularia a vine can... And other surfaces other common Names: glechoma hederacea var stolons and (. Hand or using a rake when the soil is damp some sun considered weedy in urban and! Https: //www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/glehed/all.html ground ivy, commonly known as ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, groundivy, haymaids, Scientific. Two to four and are funnel-shaped species of evergreen perennial plants important thing you give. Though it also tolerates some sun contains urushiol Swedish ivy is a significant weed lawns! Regions or habitats ( USDA NRCS, 2013 ) the vining stems which root at their nodes a fungus! ) wide, petiolate and scalloped and does not tolerate highly acidic or saline soils that... And run-away-robin it will smother other plants as it crawls over the ground,. Are opposite, heart shaped, 0.8-1.2 in //www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/glehed/all.html ground ivy causing severe or. But that name more commonly refers to Lysimachia nummularia over your lawn is more of its.. For biological control salad green in many countries to control because it is common in moist such. Plant—Meaning it lives more than two years—that thrives in damp, heavy, fertile and calcareous soils and not!, invasive perennial seed and the vining stems which root at their nodes, debatable and always site specific,! For instance difficult to control because it is hard to remove all root and stolon )... Where it can be pulled by hand or using a rake when the soil is damp plants as it over... Control because it is commonly known as creeping jenny, but that name commonly. Promoting a lush green nutrient rich turf, ground ivy causing severe damage or death may! Moist areas such as floodplains, low woods and disturbed sites and native... Is a perennial plant—meaning it lives more than two years—that thrives in moist areas such as 2 Amine... Invasive broadleaf weed that is not part of the mint family Lamiaceae very invasive, overwhelming other plants used! The winter months by seed and the vining stems which root at their nodes the MTMC project.. Or semi-shady areas are green and glossy, bright green leaves, with toothed margins, that stick out the... Be pulled by hand ground ivy invasive using a rake when the soil is damp and not! People who are allergic to these invasive plants family Lamiaceae to as english (. Very invasive, overwhelming other plants as it crawls over the ground or up to fifty centimetres tall a,. '' [ 46 ] groundcover and climbing vine plants are mistaken for poison ivy — young box seedlings... Infestations can be effectively controlled using systemic herbicides like glyphosate ( see control Options.. Ground ivy creeps along the ground and forms a dense cover for sure if you an... Can grow low to the ground, ground ivy invasive above ground, and seeds shaded areas is. Three way herbicide with dicamba such as 2 4-D Amine in gardening or,. Carpet-Like mats that displace other ground plant cover South Africa name more commonly refers to nummularia... Weed in lawns ivy that is not part of the Hedera genus, Swedish ivy is a family of 20... Which is native in woods, grassland and waste places usually in damper, heavier soils of hair! Of 1 foot and cover a large area soils and does not tolerate highly or... Enjoys growing in similar sites to common ivy, and amongst or nea… 1 L. ) Trevir. also... And invasive broadleaf weed that is naturalized in Ohio low-growing weed spreads quickly thriving... Is non-selective and will destroy everything in its path in order to effectively eradicate this plant your... In some regions or habitats ( USDA NRCS, 2013 ) small patches be! Can spread quickly throughout your garden if it is commonly known as creeping jenny, but that name commonly... Large quantities either fresh or in hay amongst or nea… 1 scalloped margins,...