Ground Ivy
glechoma hederacea
Also known as: ["Creeping Charlie","Alehoof","Tunhoof","Catfoot","Field Balm"]
Overview
A low-growing, creeping perennial herb with aromatic, round to kidney-shaped leaves and purplish-blue flowers, often considered a weed in lawns and gardens.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Glechoma |
| Botanical Name: | Glechoma hederacea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: ground cover in shaded garden beds or containers
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; more frequently if used as a ground cover.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on shaping and removing unwanted runners.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but thrives with 3–4 hours of morning sun or bright indirect light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; ideal for shaded garden spots or indoor areas with limited light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; prefers shade; adjust based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant dry out completely.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-draining loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist; enrich with organic matter; ensure good drainage.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions and can tolerate mild frost.
Keep cool in summer; protect from frost; adjust watering with temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only in growing season; reduce frequency in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of runners.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings with nodes.
- Place in medium or water.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Moist potting mix or water for stem cuttings; well-draining soil for division.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, moist medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy runners; keep consistently moist; provide warmth for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim runners with clean cuts; pinch back tips to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Control spreading by trimming runners; remove dead or damaged foliage to encourage new growth.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Clean tools; trim runners; remove dead leaves; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water evenly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the base, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss to enhance moisture retention and fertility; ensure good drainage with perlite or sand if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration; can survive mild frost but prolonged cold damages roots.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may stall in excessive heat.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, and water more frequently during heatwaves; avoid midday watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Glechoma hederacea, primarily due to the plant's essential oils.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Glechoma hederacea can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress due to the plant's essential oils and other secondary metabolites.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicGlechoma hederacea contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation upon contact. The plant's essential oils, particularly when ingested in large quantities, may lead to mild physiological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ground Ivy invasive?
A: Yes, it spreads aggressively via stolons and can become invasive in lawns and garden beds.
Q: Can Ground Ivy be used medicinally?
A: Historically, it has been used in folk medicine for respiratory issues and as a poultice for wounds, though modern use is limited.
Q: How do I control Ground Ivy in my lawn?
A: Control can be achieved through manual removal, herbicides, or promoting dense grass growth to outcompete it.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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