Description

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a perennial with creeping stems, which root at the node. It forms dense patches and thrives in both sun and shade. The leaves are scalloped along the margin, heavily veined and rough on the upper surface. Funnel-shaped blue to violet flowers are found in clusters in leaf axils and occur in the spring. Ground ivy is similar to henbit in some respects but roots at stem nodes whereas henbit does not. Common mallow is also similar but has round stems and alternate leaves.

Cultural Control

Improving surface drainage, aerating when needed, and watering infrequently will help reduce ground ivy encroachment.

Species Data

• GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
  • perennial weed
• GROWTH HABIT
  • prostrate, spreading; stems are square (four-sided) and root at the nodes
    Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8
• LEAFLET NUMBER
  • one
• LEAF MARGIN
  • serrated/toothed; scalloped
• LEAF HAIRS
  • upper/lower surface
    Figure 12
• LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
  • heart/kidney/spade
    Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 11
• LEAF WIDTH
  • leaves vary in width, from more than 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter at the base of the plant to less than ¹⁄₂ inch (13 mm) for newly emerged leaves
• LEAF VENATION
  • palmate; prominent veins
• LEAF ARRANGEMENT
  • opposite
• ROOT TYPE
  • roots are fibrous, but ground ivy also spreads via creeping stems that root at the node
• FLOWER COLOR
  • bluish purple with reddish speckles
    ​Figure 13, Figure 14