Creeping Charlie (Glechoma Hederacea)
Creeping charlie, aka ground ivy, is a common lawn weed known for its green vines, flat mat-like growing style, fan-shaped leaves, and small purple flowers. This weed can be pesky, and as the name suggests it can be a tricky weed to control. The plant presents a few problems to control because every leaf of the plant forms a root structure, and any rooted node of the plant can regrow into a new plant. Stems and roots of this weed must be completely removed to prevent future growth. Left unmanaged the plant will expand more rapidly and it can slowly but surely overrun a lawn in a matter of time.
Interesting Facts About Creeping Charlie
- It belongs to the mint family and has a strong fragrance when pulled by hand
- It is also known as ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, alehoof, and run-away-robin.
- In Europe it was used to flavor ales prior to the introduction of hops.
- It was introduced to North America from Europe.
- Its leaves are edible and medicinal, and it tastes very bitter.
Creeping charlie requires repeated weeding, because each flower can produce four seeds. The stem can also clone itself by touching the ground and allowing roots to attach to it, so any remaining plants will spread and reroot. It's important to always be careful and apply according to the label or leave mixing and application of chemicals up to professionally certified applicators. Granular fertilizers and liquid weed control applications will also help turfgrass dominate the lawn and prevent undesirable weeds.
Get A Quote On Lawn Care Today
Spring Touch offers our customers a customized lawn care program. The program can use professional control methods, organic products, or a hybrid professional/organic approach. Note that the organic lawn care program does not provide weed control. The recommended treatment for creeping charlie is a broad spectrum postemergent herbicide. Expect results to take at least 3-4 treatments per year to achieve creeping charlie control on your lawn. Spring Touch recommends our 6 step lawn care program to remove creeping charlie and thicken up existing turfgrass on your lawn. For more information call 248-826-5296 or email to get a quote on your lawn care program today.
