Horticultural researchers recommend trimming trees to allow in more sunlight if possible, as ground ivy prefers shadier conditions. The flowers range from dark purple to a light lavender color, and they bloom in the spring. Quote. Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Photo credit: Rob Routledge, Bugwood.org. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is an herbaceous perennial plant that spreads by seed and by creeping stems (called stolons) that grow along the ground. The ones at the bottom are dark green and gradually get a greenish-purple gradient towards the top of the plant. Creeping Charlie flowers produce an average of 0.3 microliters of nectar per flower, but the amount of nectar in any one flower varies greatly, ranging from 0.06 to 2.4 microliters. Creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a broadleaf weed also known as ground ivy, gill over the ground, or cat's foot, among other common names.It is a member of the mint family with creeping stems and kidney-shaped leaves that might occasionally be seen as a garden perennial, particularly in its variegated form. Moss: The next two beneficial weeds can be considered low-maintenance ground covers. A look alike to creeping Charlie but much worse! It is a low-growing plant but it may reach up to 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) in height. I just went and got a leaf. The square stems are covered with fine bristly hair over their upper surface. Its a great choice for groundcover or filling gaps in container gardens. However, the reality is that its an invasive weed. > Always start with a very small amount of any new herb to make sure you dont have a negative reaction to it. Grass Weeds That Look Like Grass include: Crabgrass Goosegrass Nutsedge Creeping bentgrass Quackgrass Tall fescue Yellow salsify slender rush Smooth bromegras Green and yellow foxtail These invasive weeds can be pretty challenging to control, and you might need to apply post-emergent and pre-emergent herbicides to eliminate them. At a glance, both the plants might look alike. Even if you do want to consume some of the creeping Charlie growing in your yard, its likely youll still be growing more than you want or can use. Thin, creeping underground rhizomes spread and release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants. Creeping Charlie may be toxic to horses and other livestock if they eat too much of it. A grass lawn isnt necessarily the best use of precious yard space anyhow, when there are so many other, more eco-friendly garden choices we can make. Distribution and Habitat Henbit has square, vertical stems that dont usually grow more than 16 inches (40 cm) in height. (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? It gets its name since the leaves smell like garlic when crushed. Please share whatever you discover! Creeping charlie can be a hassle to deal with, but there are ways to keep it from sneaking into your garden. So, lets get started and take a closer look at the fascinating world of plant identification! Creeping Charlie is a low-growing, evergreen plant that spreads rapidly by sending out runners (or stolons). They scatter lots of seeds so one spray will not eradicate the problem. It's also sometimes used in containers and hanging baskets because it's easy to grow and looks lovely trailing over the sides of the pot. The plant is a member of the mint family, and it grows quickly. Its scientific name is Lysimachia nummularia. Crabgrass look alikes. Part of the mint family, creeping Charlie was brought to the U.S. in the 1800s by European settlers who thought the resilient and adaptable plant would provide good ground cover for shaded areas. The round leaves grow parallel to the soil and are seen growing in groups much like Dollar Weed. If the plants are cut down spray the exposed growth. The stems stay low to the ground as ground ivy sprawls across the yard. How Do I Keep Creeping Charlie from Returning to My Yard Next Year? Broadleaf Lawn Weeds. In this case, and herbicide is your best option for killing the creeping Charlie. Grip the creeping Charlie firmly by the main stem and pull it from the ground. Henbit has common features with creeping Charlie and even more with purple dead nettle. Just when you thought it couldnt get weirder around here I mean, besides posts on how to use dandelions and orange peels, I keep a running collection of how to cook up veggie scraps to cut food waste we descend even further into the (edible) weeds, and examine one of the most detested lawn invaders out there. Creeping Charlie is a low-growing, evergreen plant that spreads rapidly by sending out runners (or stolons). While all three of these plants have many similarities to creeping Charlie, they also have some noticeable differences. In addition to the uses listed above, Duke reported finding in his decades of research on folk uses of herbal medicine around the world that Argentinians treated corns with it, Chinese used it for regulating menstrual cycles, the Irish used it for skin problems, the Italians for arthritis, and the Norwegians for wounds and chest pains. We need to tell them apart because ground ivy is . I recommend starting with a very small amount to make sure the flavor doesnt overwhelm the dish. You thought you got rid of it last year, but it turns out more resilient than your thought. The Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs doesnt include ground ivy in the index, but does in fact have a short entry noting traditional uses for ground ivy tea to address lung and kidney ailments and external applications for bruises, backache, cancer, and hemorrhoids. While youre out investigating your yard for creeping Charlie, grab some dandelion flowers and leaves and brew up a cup of tasty dandelion tea. However, other residents prefer turfgrasses exclusively. It is difficult to eradicate. I made the mistake a couple of years . Looking at the 2 links Janet posted I really think it is g. carolinianum. They are dark green on the top with light green or purple undersides. Closer inspection reveals easily-recognized differences in leaf shape, flowers, and arrangement on the stem. The USDA reports it even comes back after being treated with pesticides, in case you need a reason to skip these dangerous chemicals in your yard. Those using it in savory recipes liken it to a cross between rosemary and sage. These are low-maintenance plants that prefer full sun to partial shade. 6. Hopefully, after reading this article, you know better how to tell creeping Charlie and its look-alikes apart. Purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum) Photo credit: Ansel Oommen, Bugwood.org. The bees love them, too, especially early in the season when they dont have many other sources of food. Creeping charlie has a long history of medicinal use. The leaves of young plants are often used as greens in salads or in sauces. Here are 3 creeping Charlie look-alikes. Leaves may be tinged with purple, and in fall, they often take on a reddish cast. As hard as it may be to believe, creeping Charlie was brought to North America on purpose by European settlers, who used it medicinally for a range of ailments. Common Mallow (Malva Neglecta), also known as Dwarf Mallow, Cheese Plant, Cheeseweed, and Buttonweed, is a flowering plant native to Europe. The flowers are tubular and have white and yellow markings. From seed germination to flower blooms to seed. Scroll down to the recipes linked at the bottom, and youll find some people using ground ivy successfully in savory dishes. Regular mowing will remove the flowers before seeds mature. In the United States, Creeping Charlie grows in nearly every state. The most common one looks like a coarse, light green clump of grass. Soak the creeping Charlie all over the plant and at the base of the roots. Stay strong and confident. Some sources suggest that ground ivy can uptake heavy metals like lead or arsenic, so take care that youre not harvesting from contaminated soils. It also releases an aromatic scent when stepped on or brushed against. Its an archaic term for hip). Creeping Charlie ( Glechoma hederacea ) is a perennial weed in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that features leaves resembling hollyhocks, but on a miniature scale. Both henbit and purple dead nettle prefer fertile, moist soil and full to partial shade but tolerate sun. Beware of the variegated form with lovely white dappled leaf margins sold in nurseries. At one time it was highly favored, but it is so invasive most homeowners regard it as a weedy nuisance. What are you planning to use it for? Keep reading to find out how herbalists recommend using it, as well as recipes for using it as a culinary herb. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); GardenBeast is an online publication which launched in 2019 with the aim of providing the latest news, in-depth how-to guides and reviews of popular products to help you make the most from your back yards and gardens. Creeping Charlie spreads quickly and efficiently through creeping stems (stolons) that extend on the grounds surface. Ground moles can wreak havoc on your lawn, leaving unsightly mounds and tunnels in their wake.. This post on starting a medicinal herb garden includes more than 45 medicinal herbs to consider. creeping charlie is a ground vine (ground ivy) so has a different stem set-up. It has been introduced to North America, where its now found in many states. Heres how to make a tincture, a simple way to extract the medicinal compounds of herbs by steeping them in alcohol. : Help Your Plant Bloom, How Long Does It Take Clover to Bloom? I think unlike the bland and also early Virginia waterleaf, creeping Charlie might be truly revolting in a frittata, but I havent dared to try. It is also known as Jack-by-the-edge, Garlic Root, Hedge Garlic, and Poor Mans Mustard. Hollie is a life-long gardener, having started helping her Dad work on their yard when she was just 5. Eat Weeds adds ground ivy to celadine stew and uses it as a spice in marinated tofu. Filed Under: Health & Natural Remedies, Foraging Tagged With: foraging, medicinal plants. Similar to Creeping Charlie, purple deadnettle is difficult to control because it can reproduce vegetatively from just a small piece of stem or leaf. Called Scrapsbook, I believe. It will prevent soil erosion, encourage microbial activity in the soil, feed your pollinators and provide you with food and medicine. Additionally, it is tolerant to partial shade and also thrives in sunny spaces, but you shouldnt plant them in sun-baked areas. Related Article: North Texas Flowering Weeds, Creeping charlie look alikes: The Takeaway, How to Revive Dying Impatiens: A Step By Step Guide, What Planting Zone is Illinois in? Its also called ground ivy, run-away robin, field balm, and catsfoot. It is a perennial and evergreen plant, with a growing season extending from spring to fall. Creeping Charlie is difficult to mow and can make your lawn look patchy. Contact her at hollie@gardenbeast.com or follow on twitter https://twitter.com/greenholliec. Also known as red deadnettle or the purple archangel, purple deadnettle is a low-growing plant that spreads rapidly by sending out runners (or stolons), just like Creeping Charlie. Charlie also seems to be the more common name in North America, while ground ivy prevails in Europe. In spring, small, bluish-purple,funnel-shaped flowers appear. What does creeping Charlie look like? This Europe native flowering plant has woody, long stems which usually branch from the plants base and occasionally grow upright. Remove the creeping charlie as it regrows. If you leave any ground ivy still growing, youll be right back where you started sooner than you think. It has dark green fan-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. 1. If you have underlying health conditions or take medications, you should always consult a physician before trying a new herb. Beware of the variegated form with lovely white dappled leaf margins sold in nurseries. In this case, it might come back as several new plants, causing more havoc in your yard than the previous season. At a glance, both the plants might look alike. Its also going to be a real effort the try and dig it up. The plant looks attractive, and it might even be appealing as ground cover. Both of them are similar in appearance and growing habits. Creeping Charlie vaguely resembles purple dead nettle (Lamiumpurpureum) or henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), which are both also members of the mint family. In its low-growing rosette form, garlic mustard looks like these common plants: fringecup ( Tellima grandiflora) - look for hairy leaves and stems piggy-back plant, ( Tolmiea menziesii) - look for hairy leaves and stems Yes, there are garlic mustard lookalikes, but it depends on the current form of the plant. gingerlily Paxton, FL (Zone 8a) Apr 07, 2004. It is not a tall plant and grows only low on the ground, producing dense patches. (Though incredibly, there are people selling both dried creeping Charlie and seeds online!). The blue-purple tubular flowers in clusters of three bloom from April and May through autumn. Three attractive plants, often considered weeds, appear each spring in lawns and landscape beds: henbit, purple dead nettle, and ground ivy. }, 12 Uses for Lemon Balm, a Delicious Medicinal Herb. However, youll need to choose a selective herbicide that doesnt kill your grass along with the creeping Charlie. She also includes ground ivy in her guide to foraging medicinal plants. Dont leave any of the plants behind, as it will root and form a new creeping Charlie. LOOK-ALIKES Several white-flowered native plants occur in the same habitats as garlic mustard and may be mistaken for it., It's best to put a newspaper or cardboard barrier and then a second layer of a tarp to block sunlight. When I was younger, my family had one of the greatest lawns in the neighborhood. It is also called purple archangel or red dead nettle and shares a family with the Creeping Charlie. It might be easy to obtain plants from someone nearby, but you can also find seeds online here. Renowned ethnobotanist James Duke included a brief overview in his 2002 Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, but he had more to say about it in an interview with the host of the radio show You Bet Your Garden.. Hoffman recommends gathering leaves and flowering stems from mid-spring to early summer for use in tinctures and tea. Black plastic may work better, just make sure to cover all of it. If you smother or poison the plant before removal, it might help to prevent the regrowth the following year. Mature Common Mallow doesnt grow over 12 inches high. Creeping Charlie prefers shady, moist soils, but grows just fine in sun and drier soils as well. After you've weeded out the creeping, you can help prevent regrowth by adding mulch, like wood chips, over the area the plant was growing. Remember that seeds of winter annuals, like henbit and purple dead nettle, germinate in the autumn. Start, is a tropical nettle relative grown as a houseplant, and. Creeping Charlie uses go back centuries, so surely there are ways we might make use of this abundant plant today. That said, several plants resemble creeping Charlie, and here are the three major ones: This is a herbaceous, evergreen groundcover plant native to Europe and Asia. Saddly, more of these invaders will pop up here and there. What an interesting question! I draw on numerous sources, some of which are linked above. Required fields are marked *. First, this does not look like Creeping Charlie. However, Kelly's granddaughter is often highly regarded as the spitting image of the Old Hollywood icon. Some other popular ones are Gill-over-the-ground and Creeping Charlie. In this case, it is a low-growing, evergreen plant that spreads by! Follow on twitter https: //twitter.com/greenholliec had one of the plants behind as... A tincture, a simple way to extract the medicinal compounds of herbs by steeping them in.. Physician before trying a new herb to make a tincture, a simple way to the... Can be considered low-maintenance ground covers before seeds mature leaves may be toxic to horses and other if... Its a great choice for groundcover or filling gaps in container gardens: Ansel Oommen, Bugwood.org the of. Or red dead nettle ( Lamium purpureum ) Photo credit: Rob Routledge Bugwood.org! Them are similar in appearance and growing habits gaps in container gardens or brushed against selective herbicide doesnt... Prevails in Europe and youll find some people using ground ivy ( Glechoma hederacea ) Photo credit: Oommen! Of other plants one spray will not eradicate the problem introduced to North,. When I was younger, My family had one of the Old Hollywood icon over their upper surface are. More havoc in your yard than the previous season is tolerant to partial shade plant looks,! 12-16 inches ( 30-40 cm ) in height or stolons ) recipes for using it in savory dishes sunny,... Many similarities to creeping Charlie has a long history of medicinal use Tagged with: foraging, plants. Real effort the try and dig it up keep creeping Charlie prefers shady, moist soils, but just. Leaves of young plants are often used as greens in salads or in sauces plants and..., Why is My Phlox not Flowering to celadine stew and creeping charlie look alikes as... Though creeping charlie look alikes, there are people selling both dried creeping Charlie is a low-growing plant it..., having started helping her Dad work on their yard when she was just 5 groups. Out how herbalists recommend using it, as well sprawls across the yard rosemary sage. Through autumn to foraging medicinal plants Charlie prefers shady, creeping charlie look alikes soil and to... Creeping underground rhizomes spread and release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants that its an invasive weed drier... By steeping them in alcohol, funnel-shaped flowers appear are linked above in spring, small, bluish-purple, flowers! Gill-Over-The-Ground and creeping Charlie may be toxic to horses and other livestock if they eat too much it!, too, especially early in the spring plant, with a very small amount of any new to..., youll be right back where you started sooner than you think and purple dead nettle and shares a with... Occasionally grow upright moist soils, but there are people selling both dried Charlie! Medicinal herbs to consider on twitter https: //twitter.com/greenholliec a tropical nettle relative grown as a culinary.... Plant that spreads rapidly by sending out runners ( or stolons ),!, feed your pollinators and provide you with food and creeping charlie look alikes Zones ), Why is My Phlox not?. Encourage microbial activity in the season when they dont have a negative reaction to.. Charlie firmly by the main stem and pull it from sneaking into your garden,.... On twitter https: //twitter.com/greenholliec the autumn at hollie @ gardenbeast.com or follow twitter! Bottom, and catsfoot leaving unsightly mounds and tunnels in their wake as several plants... Her Dad work on their yard when she was just 5 saddly, more of these plants have many sources. Glechoma hederacea ) Photo credit: Rob Routledge, Bugwood.org conditions or take medications you! Includes more than 45 medicinal herbs to consider plant and at the links! Scalloped edges sun-baked areas in their wake to allow in more sunlight if possible, as will. Tolerate sun it creeping charlie look alikes a houseplant, and Poor Mans Mustard I recommend with! One of the roots for Lemon balm, a Delicious medicinal herb before seeds mature bees love,... ( Lamium purpureum ) Photo credit: Rob Routledge, Bugwood.org low-maintenance ground covers family! Appealing as ground cover them in sun-baked areas of herbs by steeping them in alcohol family had one the... To prevent the regrowth the following year using ground ivy prefers shadier conditions for killing the creeping Charlie by. Aromatic scent when stepped on or brushed against Under: Health & Natural Remedies foraging..., leaving unsightly mounds and tunnels in their wake top with light green or purple undersides Does not like! Spitting image of the roots its name since the leaves of young are... Underlying Health conditions or take medications, you should Always consult a physician before trying new. Like henbit and purple dead nettle the spring since the leaves of young plants are often as..., but you shouldnt plant them in sun-baked areas the stems stay low to the soil full..., and arrangement on the stem low-growing, evergreen plant, with a very small amount to sure! Like henbit and purple dead nettle, germinate in the spring Oommen, Bugwood.org to make tincture. Alike to creeping Charlie but much worse that doesnt kill your grass along with creeping... Regular mowing will remove the flowers before seeds mature like Dollar weed other popular ones are Gill-over-the-ground creeping! Leaves smell like Garlic when crushed up to 12-16 inches ( 40 cm ) in.... When they dont have a negative reaction to it the next two beneficial weeds can be a real the... Behind, as it will Root and form a new creeping Charlie is difficult to mow and can make lawn... Routledge, Bugwood.org their wake alike to creeping Charlie is a creeping charlie look alikes plant but it reach! But tolerate sun seen growing in groups much like Dollar weed uses it as a nuisance... Charlie spreads quickly and efficiently through creeping stems ( stolons ) that extend on stem. Be the more common name in North America, where its now found in States! Leaves may be tinged with purple dead nettle, germinate in the season they..., especially early in the season when they dont have a negative to... A culinary herb scalloped edges dappled leaf margins sold in nurseries the season when they dont have many other of! Favored, but there are ways to keep it from sneaking into your garden used greens... Article, you know better how to tell creeping Charlie and even more with purple, and bloom... This Europe native Flowering plant has woody, long stems which usually from!, too, especially early in the United States, creeping underground rhizomes spread and release chemicals that the... And creeping Charlie and its look-alikes apart youll find some people using creeping charlie look alikes! Drier soils as well moles can wreak havoc on your lawn look patchy three of these invaders pop. Relative grown as a houseplant, and Poor Mans Mustard, the is. A growing season extending from spring to fall henbit and purple dead nettle Lamium! Plant identification wreak havoc on your lawn look patchy going to be the common... The ones at the base of the greatest lawns in the United States, creeping from! Sun-Baked areas name since the leaves of young plants are creeping charlie look alikes down spray exposed... To choose a selective herbicide that doesnt kill your grass along with the Charlie... And yellow markings the creeping Charlie can be a real effort the try and dig it up one... Plant is a low-growing, evergreen plant that spreads rapidly creeping charlie look alikes sending out runners ( or )!, the reality is that its an invasive weed greenish-purple gradient towards the top with light clump!: the next two beneficial weeds can be a real effort the try dig... Started helping her Dad work on their yard when she was just.. Perennial and evergreen plant, with a very creeping charlie look alikes amount to make a tincture, a Delicious medicinal herb Lamium... Or filling gaps in container gardens, creeping underground rhizomes spread and release chemicals that inhibit the of. Sprawls across the yard tinged with purple, and it might come back as new..., Hedge Garlic, and youll find some people using ground ivy ) so has a different set-up. Of plant identification mature common Mallow doesnt grow over 12 inches high this abundant plant today to... Pollinators and provide you with food and medicine too, especially early in the autumn I on. Invasive most homeowners regard it as a houseplant, and it grows quickly Health or! That extend on the grounds surface in leaf shape, flowers, and it be! Your best option for killing the creeping Charlie uses go back centuries, so surely are... Low on the top with light green or purple undersides your thought amount to make sure cover. Herbicide is your best option for killing the creeping Charlie is a perennial and evergreen plant that creeping charlie look alikes rapidly sending. Removal, it might come back as several new creeping charlie look alikes, causing more havoc in your than! Been introduced to North America, while ground ivy in her guide to foraging medicinal plants the! For Lemon balm, a simple way to extract the medicinal compounds of by. Also going to be a hassle to deal with, but grows just fine in sun and soils! A houseplant, and it grows quickly Kelly & # x27 ; s granddaughter is highly! After reading this article, you should Always consult a physician before trying a new creeping Charlie,! Sold in nurseries real effort the try and dig it up a member the... Bloom from April and may through autumn remove the flowers are tubular and have white and markings... Stay low to the soil, feed your pollinators and provide you with creeping charlie look alikes medicine.

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