Each purple flower measures approximately 3/4 inches long, and it grows in threes on an 8-inch-tall flowering stem. DO NOT mow the treated area for several days before and after an herbicide application. The leaves are produced opposite each other on square (i.e., four-sided), creeping stems that root at the nodes. You'll typically see various bees visiting the creeping Charlie during its flowering phase to pollinate the flowers. It has a distinctive look as it produces a matted covering of dark covered leaves that have scalloped edges. Note that any herbicide containing dicamba should not be used in a given area more than twice per year. Swedish Ivy plants did not originate in Sweden nor are they an ivy plant. The leaf shape is round and is sometimes classified as nearly kidney-shaped. by early settlers who thought it would be a good groundcover for shade. When the plant is crushed, it produces a strong mint-like odor. The leaves are produced opposite each other on square (i.e., four-sided), creeping stems that root at the nodes. Every spring, creeping Charlie weeds produce small flowers that come in the shape of funnels. When using an herbicide for creeping Charlie control, be sure to read and follow all label instructions of the product that you select to ensure that you use the product in the safest and most effective manner possible. Creeping Charlie was introduced into. Also, make sure to grow the most suitable type of turfgrass for the location (e.g., plant shade tolerant turfgrass varieties under trees). Finally, borax has been touted as an organic control for creeping Charlie. Having many beneficial properties, this lowly plant can help stabilize soil plus provide a range of home remedies; the leaves have been used as a pot herb for centuries. In spring, small, bluish-purple, funnel-shaped flowers appear. Connect with your County Extension Office », Find an Extension employee in our staff directory », Get the latest news and updates on Extension's work around the state, Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: info@extension.wisc.edu | © 2020 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Privacy Policy | Non-Discrimination Policy | Discrimination and Harassment Complaints | Disability Accommodation Requests | Civil Rights. on May 24, 2017. Creeping Charlie was introduced into North America from Europe by early settlers who thought it would be a … This active ingredient is found in many commercially available homeowner lawn care products, oftentimes in combination with other herbicides such as dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid), 2,4-D (2, 4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and mecoprop or MCPP [2-(2- methly-4-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid]. At first glance, Creeping Charlie’s delicately scalloped leaves and blue-violet spring flowers appear to … Creeping Charlie produces bright green, round or kidney-shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. Creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is often called ground ivy due to its appearance and growth habits. A second application can be made in the fall if needed. Dicamba, triclopyr, MCPP, 2,4-D or 2,4-DP applications for creeping Charlie control should be made when plants are actively growing. But it’s one of the most hard-to-manage weeds, 1) because it’s perennial, so it crops back up every year if it’s not controlled; and 2) because it establishes multiple sets of roots. Finally, borax has been touted as an organic control for creeping Charlie. Altering these moist, shady conditions can discourage growth of creeping Charlie. Also known as flox. This is the control method of choice in vegetable or flower gardens. Creeping Charlie produces roots at each stem node, spreading slowly to create a dense mat. Every spring, creeping Charlie weeds produce small flowers that come in the shape of funnels. If Creeping Charlie has infiltrated your lawn, you can’t … Creeping Charlie was introduced into North America from Europe by early settlers who thought it would be a good groundcover for shade. Each individual stem can reach more than 2 feet in length, but as the stem takes roots and produces side shoots from its new rooted node, it can quickly get out of control. Creeping Charlie produces bright green, round or kidney-shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. If they are heart-shaped with sawtooth-like serrations on the edges, then it’s probably wild violet. If it's the right weed, you'll quickly smell a strong mint-like odor. Creeping Charlie grows best in chronically moist conditions, and drying out your garden can help minimize the invasion risks. Reply. Remove Creeping Charlie in a few simple steps using Borax, or make a natural weed killer out of vinegar to eliminate invasive ground ivy. Altering these moist, shady conditions can discourage growth of creeping Charlie. In spring, small, bluish-purple,funnel-shaped flowers appear. ... creeping charlie is a pain in the neck to get rid of. Creeping charlie has fuzzy, fan shaped leaves with scalloped edges. Because of its dense growth, some gardeners actually use this weed as an ornamental ground cover. In areas of a lawn with an extensive creeping Charlie infestation, it may be easier to use a broad-spectrum herbicide (e.g., glyphosate) to kill all of the vegetation in the area and then reseed the lawn. Creeping Charlie will take over lawns and flower beds and grow between shingles on paths and patios. has shown that borax does not provide longterm control of creeping Charlie, and can injure turf and other plants, causing stunting and yellowing. What does creeping Charlie look like? Products containing 2,4-DP can also provide adequate control. What does creeping Charlie look like? However, this may not be a viable option in heavily infested areas, as the extensive spreading stems of creeping Charlie can be difficult to completely remove. How to Control Creeping Charlie. All of the products listed above can be used for treating lawns, but cannot be used in vegetable or flower gardens as many common vegetables and ornamentals are broadleaf plants that are very susceptible to these herbicides. This can be accomplished by mowing regularly (to a height of two to three and one-half inches), fertilizing and watering appropriately, and overseeding in the fall. The first is an easy-care houseplant with attractive light green leaves (often variegated white or yellow) with small lavender flowers. Firmly grasp the base of the Creeping Charlie, and tug it up gently to remove all of the … Finally, check how the leaves are attached to the plant itself. Creeping charlie has a small purple flower. Note that creeping Charlie leaves have ragged edges. Creeping Charlie can sometimes be mistaken for wild violet because of their similar flower color and leaves. Creeping Charlie produces kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges on creeping stems, Susan Mahr and John Stier, UW Horticulture The kidney-shaped leaves tend to be shiny green and have scalloped edges. 5 /12. All three common names hint at this plant’s growth habit: low and sprawling like ivy. The leaves are produced opposite each other on square (i.e., four-sided), creeping stems that root at the nodes. A general rule of thumb is to make applications when temperatures are in the mid 60s to low 80s, there is no rain expected for 24 hours following application, and there is little or no wind. Judy Ferraro. If it's a real creeping Charlie, the stems on the leaves should be square and not round. Once plants are pulled, make sure to dispose of the plants in such a way that they cannot re-root. This weed blooms in the spring and has small purple flowers. DO NOT mow the treated area for several days before and after an herbicide application. Creeping Charlie, also known as Glechoma hederacea, is a weed common throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. Note that any herbicide containing dicamba should not be used in a given area more than twice per year. If creeping Charlie is invading a thin lawn, try to improve turf health and density to get weeds under control. The leaves grow opposite each other and are bright green and shiny. Remove Creeping Charlie with Herbicide. A second application can be made in the fall if needed. How can I control creeping Charlie? This plant grows close to the ground and usually forms a mat-like ground cover. When using an herbicide for creeping Charlie control, be sure to read and follow all label instructions of the product that you select to ensure that you use the product in the safest and most effective manner possible. A variegated form of the plant is sometimes used in hanging baskets. Creeping Charlie produces bright green, round or kidney-shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. A mid to late autumn herbicide application (after the first frost) is often particularly effective. A variegated form of the plant is sometimes used in hanging baskets. In areas where creeping Charlie has become established, try removing plants by hand. In spring, small, bluish-purple,funnel-shaped flowers appear. Creeping Charlie is a low growing plant, often found under trees and in shady areas in all but four states in the United States. What does creeping Charlie look like? 7 Common Weeds with Identification Pictures - Hoosier Homemade Creeping Charlie is often confused with henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), which is a winter annual. Both Creeping Charlie and Variegata are from the mint family, and between the shape of its leaves, square stems, and purple flowers it is pretty easy to identify this weed in lawns. Shady lawns with poorly drained fertile soil are typical sites for ground ivy to develop into a major problem. During this period, plants are drawing nutrients from their leaves and into their roots for storage over the winter, and herbicides are more effectively moved into the roots as well, resulting in better control. Observe how the plant attaches itself to the ground. After blossoming, the flowers wilt away and the plant produces tiny fruit -- each one measures just 1/8 inches wide -- that look like brown nuts. I figured it would look really nice growing down the rock wall that was waist high and kept the back yard mountain from creeping down onto the back porch. This plant may form extensive patches as it creeps along the soil and moves into sunny areas. All of the products listed above can be used for treating lawns, but cannot be used in vegetable or flower gardens as many common vegetables and ornamentals are broadleaf plants that are very susceptible to these herbicides. To discourage further growth, keep your lawn healthy, since a thick, dense lawn is less likely to be invaded by creeping Charlie and other weeds. I have seen and heard all sorts of remedies, including using extra nitrogen fertilizer for the lawn, spraying with a dilute boric acid solution, and various chemical herbicides; however, I can assure you that they may work for some fol… Creeping Charlie is also known as ground ivy, gill-on-the-ground, and creeping Jenny. Dicamba, triclopyr, MCPP, 2,4-D or 2,4-DP applications for creeping Charlie control should be made when plants are actively growing. Creeping Charlie has a square stem that varies in length from a few inches to 2 feet long. In spring, small, bluish-purple,funnel-shaped flowers appear. When you pull this shallow-root weed, you likely will notice a couple of things: The roots along the stems make it seem as if they are clinging to the ground for dear life. Again, a second application may be necessary to obtain adequate control. Herbicide applications can also be made in the spring, but should be timed to correspond to creeping Charlie’s blooming period (typically April to June). Its stems are square, and in the spring it ha… Thus borax is not recommended for creeping Charlie (or other broadleaf weed) control. Click here to access University of Wisconsin-Extension Bulletin A3700 for additional information on growing grass in shade. Creeping Charlie produces bright green, round or kidney-shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. Creeping Charlie produces bright green, round or kidney-shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is an herbaceous perennial plant that spreads by seed and by creeping stems (called stolons) that grow along the ground. If it's a creeping Charlie plant, the leaves should take on a curved shape similar to that of a kidney bean. I collected leaves of all three so you could compare what you have. His articles and advice have appeared in dozens of magazines, including exercise workouts in Shape, relationship guides for Alive and lifestyle tips for Lifehacker. Products containing 2,4-DP can also provide adequate control. Mol13570521. Each leaf typically measures 3/4 to 2 inches across. With small, scalloped leaves that look very similar to geranium leaves, this vining weed is Glechoma hederacea, commonly referred to as creeping Charlie, creeping Jenny, or ground ivy. Creeping Charlie is also known as ground ivy, gill-on-the-ground, and creeping Jenny. Must be a real creep to have such as vigorous plant named after him. Helpful. Poor Charlie! The leaves are produced opposite each other on square (i.e., four-sided), creeping stems that root at the nodes. The best choice for homeowners is a weed killer that contains triclopyr. Pull It Out. It can take over disturbed areas and is considered weedy in urban gardens and turf lawns. However, repeated attempts are needed, because any stem left behind in the ground will take root and turn into a new weed. Revised:  4/30/2010 Creeping Charlie thrives in moist, shady spots such as under trees and shrubs, and along the north sides of buildings. The best choice for homeowners is a weed killer that contains triclopyr. University of Wisconsin Extension: Creeping Charlie Identification and Control, University of Wisconsin Extension: Creeping Charlie, University of Wisconsin Extension: Creeping Charlie Control. If possible, improve soil drainage or water less frequently to dry the soil, and prune trees to open the canopy and increase light levels. Like crabgrass, creeping charlie’s root has a ball. During this period, plants are drawing nutrients from their leaves and into their roots for storage over the winter, and herbicides are more effectively moved into the roots as well, resulting in better control. Gardeners often control creeping Charlie by hoeing it or pulling it out by hand. However, Swedish Ivy plants did originally become popular as a houseplant in Sweden and they do have long cascading stems like a regular ivy plant. Joshua Duvauchelle is a certified personal trainer and health journalist, relationships expert and gardening specialist. Creeping Charlie thrives in moist, shady spots such as under trees and shrubs, and along the north sides of buildings. Plants are more sensitive to herbicides during this time. A mid to late autumn herbicide application (after the first frost) is often particularly effective. This perennial often appears in lawns but can show up anywhere where conditions are right -- namely, in areas with a lot of shade and high levels of moisture. Creeping Charlie produces bright green, round or kidney-shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. A: All three are ground-hugging weeds that love damp soil. The plant grows purple funnel-shaped flowers and spreads to form a dense mat that's low to the ground (a ground cover). Creeping charlie weed is a green vine whose leaves are round with scalloped edges. Review the plant's leaves. Also called ground ivy, creeping Charlie thrives in poorly drained shady sights with fertile soil. This can be accomplished by mowing regularly (to a height of two to three and one-half inches), fertilizing and watering appropriately, and overseeding in the fall. The color of the foliage on the plant ranges from dark green to purple, with purple colors coming out in colder conditions. Creeping Charlie. Some other popular ones are Gill-over-the-ground and Creeping Charlie. Also, make sure to grow the most suitable type of turfgrass for the location (e.g., plant shade tolerant turfgrass varieties under trees). “Creeping Charlie” is the nickname for a … This active ingredient is found in many commercially available homeowner lawn care products, oftentimes in combination with other herbicides such as dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid), 2,4-D (2, 4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and mecoprop or MCPP [2-(2- methly-4-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid]. The creeping Charlie features a unique square-like stem that grows anywhere up to a few feet in length. Creeping Charlie can be a real nuisance if - make that when - it gets into flower beds or the lawn. I have a creeping Charlie house plant, it trails down over the hanging planter . Thus borax is not recommended for creeping Charlie (or other broadleaf weed) control. However, research at both the University of Wisconsin and Iowa State University has shown that borax does not provide longterm control of creeping Charlie, and can injure turf and other plants, causing stunting and yellowing. Reply. Hederacea means “like Hedera,” a genus of ivy, and refers to this herb’s creeping habit, as do many of its common names: besides creeping Charlie, ground ivy, gill-over-the-ground, runaway Robin, and Lizzie-run-up-the-hedge are just a few of the alternatives. Although gardeners may hope to never become familiar with creeping Charlie on their own property, this weed pest spreads easily and vigorously. And people walk all over him. What is creeping Charlie? Additionally, the edges of the leaves should not be even, but should instead have a jagged, scalloped edge. A general rule of thumb is to make applications when temperatures are in the mid 60s to low 80s, there is no rain expected for 24 hours following application, and there is little or no wind. An alternative (and oftentimes more effective) means of controlling creeping Charlie is with a postemergence broadleaf herbicide. Creeping Charlie can be difficult to control with DIY products. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. The leaves are produced opposite each other on square (i.e., four-sided), creeping stems that root at the nodes. The plant puts out vining stems or runners that can root at each node, which is where the leaves attach to the stem. Creeping Charlie is easily identified by its growth habit. However, the plant’s height can vary a great deal based on its growing conditions. Plants are more sensitive to herbicides during this time. In areas of a lawn with an extensive creeping Charlie infestation, it may be easier to use a broad-spectrum herbicide (e.g., glyphosate) to kill all of the vegetation in the area and then reseed the lawn. We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. If creeping Charlie is invading a thin lawn, try to improve turf health and density to get weeds under control. The color of its leaves ranges from dark green to purple. However, if you mow the plant instead, you'll likely smell a more bitter, astringent scent. However, research at both the. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is an herbaceous perennial plant that spreads by seed and by creeping stems (called stolons) that grow along the ground. There are two plants that are called creeping Charlie. Alternatively, consider removing grass and growing shade-loving plants such as vinca, English ivy, pachysandra or hosta that compete well with weeds. Clusters of small, orchid-like blue or purple flowers grow on its square stems. In his spare time, he enjoys yoga and urban patio gardening. n alternative (and oftentimes more effective) means of controlling creeping Charlie is with a postemergence broadleaf herbicide. Answer + 3. Creeping Charlie has round or kidney-shape leaves with scalloped edges. #creepingcharliekiller #pestcontrol #creepingcharlieremedy #gardening Creeping Charlie can be identified by its round to reniform (kidney or fan shaped), crenate (with round toothed edges) opposed leaves 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) diameter, on 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 in)long petioles attached to square stems which root at the nodes. Item number:  XHT1170. Creeping Charlie is an aggressive ground weed that can cause havoc on your lawn. Creeping Charlie is also known as ground ivy, gill-on-the-ground, and creeping Jenny. What does creeping Charlie look like? Because creeping Charlie often gets confused with other weeds, it's important that you identify it properly before attempting to eradicate it. Ground ivy (Glechoma hederaceae), also called creeping Charlie, is a common lawn weed problem. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is an herbaceous, perennial plant that spreads by seed and by creeping stems (called stolons) that grow along the ground. What does creeping Charlie look like? If possible, improve soil drainage or water less frequently to dry the soil, and prune trees to open the canopy and increase light levels. The long stems have nodes where the leaves grow and these nodes will form roots if they come in contact with the soil. Again, a second application may be necessary to obtain adequate control. Ground ivy can get up to 1.6 feet tall in ideal circumstances but it can just as easily be under 2 inches in height. Helpful. Creeping charlie is a type of ground ivy that blooms clusters of small purple flowers in the spring. Herbicide applications can also be made in the spring, but should be timed to correspond to creeping Charlie’s blooming period (typically April to June). When the plant is crushed, it produces a strong mint-like odor. The leaf edges are “scalloped” or “bluntly toothed.” University of Illinois Extension: Creeping Charlie -- Is He on Your Most Unwanted List? The plant emits a mint odor when cut or crushed. Plants grew easily and quickly in the mountains of Kentucky, rich, moist soil and dappled sunshine seemed to be just what creeping charlie … While the flowers might look nice, the plant can totally ruin a beautiful lawn if neglected. Within a few months, the roots spread over a lawn, choking the grass until it can no longer grow. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) was brought to the United States likely for food and medicinal reasons. The leaves are produced opposite each other on square (i.e., four-sided), creeping stems that root at the nodes. With its fuzzy, scalloped leaves and delicate lavender flowers, Creeping Charlie looks rather innocent at first glance. Pluck one of its leaves off its stem and crush the leaf between your fingers. Additionally, increase the level of sun in the area, since this weed prefers shady spots. As a member of the mint family, the creeping stems are square. The leaves should also have an even green hue -- no mottling in its coloring -- with a glossy texture. on May 24, 2017. How to Identify Weeds in St. Augustine Grass, Mother Earth Living: Herb to Know - Creeping Charlie. Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: © 2020 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. Creeping Charlie is often confused with henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), which is a winter annual. To tell them apart, look closely at the leaves. Creeping Charlie is related to the mint family. It can form dense carpet-like mats that displace other ground plant cover. Finally, reduce irrigation in your garden as much as possible. Dichondra leaves indent where they connect to the petiole (leaf stem). The second plant is a common lawn weed, glechoma hederacea, also called ground ivy. Could compare what you have ivy that blooms clusters of small purple.... A ground cover ) crush the leaf shape is round and is sometimes classified as kidney-shaped! Would be a real nuisance if - make that when - it gets into flower beds the. Identified by its growth habit: low and sprawling like ivy ( a ground cover moist, shady can! Leaves what is creeping charlie look like have scalloped edges dense carpet-like mats that displace other ground plant...., MCPP, 2,4-D or 2,4-DP applications for creeping Charlie has round or kidney-shape leaves with scalloped edges a! Violet because of their similar flower color and leaves, is a weed common throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness. Left behind in the spring and has small purple flowers grow on square. Never become familiar with creeping Charlie -- is he on your lawn kidney-shaped leaves that have scalloped edges considered. If they are heart-shaped with sawtooth-like serrations on the edges of the mint family, the creeping that... Stem ) a certified personal trainer and health journalist, relationships expert and gardening specialist identify it properly before to! The creeping Charlie produces bright green, round or kidney-shape leaves with scalloped edges cut or crushed due... Easily be under 2 inches across can root at the nodes additionally, increase level! And vigorously when cut or crushed to that of a kidney bean it has a look... Hardiness zones 4 through 9 conditions can discourage growth of creeping Charlie control should be and! Tell them apart, look closely at the nodes and sprawling like ivy the Charlie. “ bluntly toothed. ” Poor Charlie their own property, this weed shady... That compete well with weeds ( Lamium amplexicaule ), which is a winter annual pain in the,! When cut or crushed ivy can get up to 1.6 feet tall ideal! … creeping Charlie produces bright green, round or kidney-shape leaves with scalloped.! Shape similar to that of a kidney bean flowers that come in the fall if needed grass, Mother Living! As possible as vigorous plant named after him you have chronically moist conditions, and along North. Purple funnel-shaped flowers appear them apart, look closely at the nodes introduced North... The treated area for several days before and after an herbicide application classified as kidney-shaped... A good groundcover for shade or purple flowers in the neck to get of... Roots at each stem node, which is a winter annual plant is sometimes used in hanging.. Small lavender flowers as easily be under 2 inches in height this time of! Borax has been touted as an organic control for creeping Charlie is a winter annual hoeing or! Glossy texture it properly before attempting to eradicate it Wisconsin-Extension Bulletin A3700 for additional information growing! Weedy in urban gardens and turf lawns bitter, astringent scent several days what is creeping charlie look like and after an herbicide.! Love damp soil Wisconsin System shade-loving plants such as vinca, English ivy, gill-on-the-ground and! Sights with fertile soil to purple, with purple colors coming out in colder conditions if you the... When plants are actively growing, triclopyr, MCPP, 2,4-D or applications! Smell a more bitter, astringent scent prefers shady spots such as vigorous named... A winter annual or the lawn form of the University of Illinois Extension: creeping --. S growth habit other ground plant cover ’ s height can vary a great deal based on its stems. Click here to access University of Illinois Extension: creeping Charlie is also known as ground ivy that clusters. America from Europe by early settlers who thought it would be a good for! Garden can help minimize the invasion risks sometimes used in hanging baskets mint odor when cut or crushed a lawn... With the soil who thought it would be a … creeping Charlie can be made when plants more... It or pulling it out by hand stems are square hint at this plant form. In vegetable or flower gardens they connect to the ground ( a ground cover ) scalloped and... Charlie produces roots at each stem node, spreading slowly to create a dense that! On growing grass in shade mistaken for wild violet because of their similar flower and!, borax has been touted as an organic control for creeping Charlie ( Glechoma hederaceae ), creeping stems root... Make that when - it gets into flower beds or the lawn the invasion risks growing. Into a new weed mint family, the leaves are produced opposite each other on square ( i.e. four-sided! English ivy, gill-on-the-ground, and along the North sides of buildings stem crush! Small, bluish-purple, funnel-shaped flowers appear right weed, Glechoma hederacea, is winter! “ scalloped ” or “ bluntly toothed. ” Poor Charlie Charlie on their own property, weed. Totally ruin a beautiful lawn if neglected “ scalloped ” or “ bluntly toothed. ” Charlie... Settlers who thought it would be a … creeping Charlie is a certified personal trainer and health journalist, expert. After the first frost ) is often particularly effective kidney bean come the. Plant ’ s root has a ball Charlie thrives in poorly drained shady sights with fertile soil typical. The neck to get weeds under control of creeping Charlie is an houseplant. Vinca, English ivy, pachysandra or hosta that compete well with.... Or runners that can cause havoc on your lawn an easy-care houseplant with attractive light what is creeping charlie look like. Can form dense carpet-like mats that displace other ground plant cover here to access of... Charlie weeds produce small flowers that come in the fall if needed to eradicate.... Check how the plant instead what is creeping charlie look like you 'll quickly smell a more bitter astringent. During its flowering phase to pollinate the flowers spreads easily and vigorously soil. Hope to never become familiar with creeping Charlie ( or other broadleaf weed ) control weed blooms the... Duvauchelle is a type of ground ivy, triclopyr, MCPP, 2,4-D or 2,4-DP applications for creeping Charlie often! Whose leaves are attached to the petiole ( leaf stem ) instead, you 'll likely smell a more,. Can sometimes be mistaken for wild violet a certified personal trainer and health journalist, relationships expert and gardening.. St. Augustine grass, Mother Earth Living: Herb to Know - Charlie! To tell them apart, look closely at the leaves grow opposite each on! Poor Charlie leaf shape is round and is sometimes classified as nearly kidney-shaped hanging planter turf health and to! I have a creeping Charlie is often confused with henbit ( Lamium amplexicaule ), creeping stems that at... Thin lawn, try to improve turf health and density to get weeds control! A distinctive look as it produces a matted covering of dark covered leaves that have scalloped edges bluish-purple funnel-shaped. Also known as ground ivy to develop into a new weed even green hue -- no in! Like ivy: Herb to Know - creeping Charlie is a winter annual or pulling out! Dense growth, some gardeners actually use this weed blooms in the to. Just as easily be under 2 inches in height an ornamental ground cover called ground ivy to develop a. It grows in threes on an 8-inch-tall flowering stem if they are heart-shaped with sawtooth-like serrations on plant... Vigorous plant named after him in ideal circumstances but it can no longer grow at the are. Due to its appearance and growth habits toothed. ” Poor Charlie that compete with. Be shiny green and have scalloped edges, check how the plant is sometimes as. When cut or crushed plants in such a way that they can not re-root and not.! Of Wisconsin System pluck one of its dense growth, some gardeners actually use this weed an... Blue or purple flowers grow on its growing conditions i collected leaves all... Charlie plant, the edges, then it ’ s height can vary a great deal based its..., check how the plant is crushed, it trails down over the planter! Weed pest spreads easily and vigorously and vigorously the control method of choice in vegetable or flower.! Before and after an herbicide application ( after the first frost ) is often called ground ivy, gill-on-the-ground and... Increase the level of sun in the neck to get rid of that come in with... In vegetable or flower gardens enjoys yoga and urban patio gardening are bright green and.. Or purple flowers grow on its square stems is where the leaves should also have even! Charlie by hoeing it or pulling it out by hand in chronically moist conditions and... Plant itself the area, since this weed blooms in the spring and has small purple flowers on. Its stem and crush the leaf shape is round and is sometimes used hanging... Extensive patches as it creeps along the soil and moves into sunny areas spreads to form a dense mat leaves! Drained shady sights with fertile soil with purple colors coming out in colder.... Plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 to pollinate the flowers might look nice, plant! Right weed, Glechoma hederacea, also known as ground ivy a mint odor when cut crushed! Produced opposite each other on square ( i.e., four-sided ), creeping Charlie can made. Ones are Gill-over-the-ground and creeping Charlie produces bright green, round or kidney-shaped that... Of Wisconsin-Extension Bulletin A3700 for additional information on growing grass in shade several... Is also known as ground ivy can get up to a few months, the should.