dry land Hedera helix and creep Charlie are indeed the same works . Known scientifically as Glechoma hederacea , this creeping herbaceous perennial is commonly refer to by both names . It is a member of the mint mob , Lamiaceae , and it is native to Eurasia . However , it has been introduce to and naturalized in many part of the United States .
I have had personal experiences allot with earth ivy , or creeping Charlie , in my own garden . It can be quite a nuisance as it incline to scatter rapidly and form loose mat , which can suffocate other plants and become challenging to control . This invasive nature is why it is often view a weed by gardeners .
The leaves of ground ivy are round or kidney - shaped with scalloped edges . They are typically dark green and have a tenuous luster to them . The stems are straight , another characteristic coarse to the mint family . The plant bring forth little , purplish - gamy flowers in the springtime , which are attractive to pollinators such as bee .
One of the reasons ground ivy is sometimes called creeping Charlie is due to its ability to spread by sending out long , creeping stems that root at the nodes . These stems can quickly handle large areas , making it hard to eliminate once it becomes established . It also has a decided scent when trounce , which some people encounter unpleasant .
To control primer Hedera helix , it is significant to take a multi - faceted approach . Here are some method acting that have been effective for me :
1 . Hand pulling : If the infestation is not too extensive , manually off the plants by pulling them out from the roots can be an effective control method . However , be sure to remove as much of the solution scheme as potential to prevent regrowth .
2 . pout : Regular mowing can help keep ground ivy in check , as it is a low - growing plant life . However , be cautious when mowing as the stems are quite resilient and can still regrow from fragment leave behind .
3 . Mulching : Applying a thick layer of mulch around desirable plants can help strangle and suppress soil Hedera helix . This will deprive it of sunlight and make it more difficult for it to shew and spread .
4 . Herbicides : In serious cases , herbicides may be necessary to command ground ivy . Selective weedkiller that place broadleaf weeds , such as those take 2,4 - D or dicamba , can be good . However , be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid spraying on windy days to prevent gallery onto suitable plants .
5 . Regular maintenance : Regularly monitoring and managing ground ivy is crucial to keep it from take over . This includes promptly transfer any novel increment and keep a sizable , well - incline garden , which will make it less susceptible to weed invasions .
Ground ivy and cringe Charlie are dissimilar name for the same plant , Glechoma hederacea . It is an invasive creeping herbaceous perennial that can quickly pass around and form slow mats . While it may have some attractive qualities , such as its purplish - blue heyday , it is often considered a weed due to its aggressive nature . control ground common ivy requires a combination of manual removal , pout , mulching , and , in spartan pillowcase , herbicide usage . Regular maintenance and vigilance are key to go on it in substantiation and keep it from becoming a major trouble in your garden .
Caroline Bates
