GROUND IVY

GROUND IVY

Glechoma hederacea
MINT FAMILY (Lamiaceae)

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This naturalized perennial was introduced from Europe. This plant spreads rapidly on ascending branches from creeping stems. The small leaves are scalloped (B). The 2-lipped, blue-violet flowers sit in the leaf axils (B,C); leaves and flowers face the sun (A). Identified by the 2-lipped, blue-violet flowers and the scalloped leaves.

Thrives in moist woodlands, flowering from April through September. In Fontenelle Forest, locally common in dense colonies, for instance in Mormon Hollow. At Neale Woods, locally common along MRE Trail.

Considered a weed in Nebraska. This plant quickly takes over lawns; in the opinion of one of the authors, more of us should allow it to remain and flourish. This plant can serve as an excellent ground cover alternative to grass. Other common names include Creeping Charlie and Gill-Over-The-Ground.

The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.