ground ivy
Family
LamiaceaeScientific Name
Glechoma hederacea
Other Common Names:
gill-over-the-ground
haymaids
creeping charlie
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Glechoma hederacea var. micrantha
Glechoma hederacea var. parviflora
Nepeta hederacea
Habit
This creeping perennial, flowers from March through June. The seeds, which are produced from April to June, begin germination immediately. Like true Ivy, this plant remains green throughout the year unless the frost is too severe.
Leaves
The round or kidney shaped leaves are generally smooth, but occasionally will be sparsely hairy. The leaves have large rounded teeth along the margins, and the leaf veins stem from a single point.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant can be distinguished by its square stem. The stems are generally hairless, but will occasionally produce short stiff backward-facing hairs. When crushed or mowed, it will produce a strong mint-like odor.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers occur in clusters of 2-3 on short ascending stems from the leaf axils. The tube shaped blue-violet flowers grow up to 1 cm in length.
Seed Fruit
The fruit are small, brown nutlets that are often egg shaped.
Where Found
This plant prefers damp shady habitats, but will tolerate full sun. It can be found in turfgrass, landscapes, and along roadsides.
Growth Habit
vine
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
dime,
nickle
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
blue,
purple
Flower Symmetry
bilateral symmetry
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Leaf Shape
round
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
lobed
Leaf Structure
Varies:
simple,
palmate
Leaf Stalk
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
square or multi-edged
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
fibrous,
rhizomes present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb