There are no pre-emergent herbicides that work on ground ivy. Other creeping Charlie uses include treating tinnitus, sciatica, bruises, indigestion, tuberculosis, bronchitis, inflammation of the eyes, and lead poisoning, among many other conditions. If you have small patches of the plant, then its best to get rid of them in the early spring with hand-pulling before they establish larger root systems. The creeping Charlie likes growing in moist, shady areas of your yard. Its semi-evergreen, salt, and drought-tolerant and belongs in the same family as creeping Charlie. The leaves are produced opposite each other on square (i.e., four-sided), creeping stems that root at the nodes. Susun Weed steeps ground ivy in vinegar to use on salads. However, other residents prefer turfgrasses exclusively. Like other members of the mint family, creeping Charlie has square stems. How can you use the life cycle of a winter annual to manage it? They are dark green on the top with light green or purple undersides. Dichondra is a Dollar Weed look-a-like. Creeping Charlie ( Glechoma hederacea) was brought to the United States likely for food and medicinal reasons. It is a plant native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It is edible - some enjoy it in salads - and used in alternative medicines. You've come to the right place! Its most effective for you to spray your creeping Charlie in the fall, disrupting its preparation for the dormancy during the winter. Press Esc to cancel. This article addresses how to manage them. This plant is commonly found in semi-shaded or shaded environments, typically under trees. Thin, creeping underground rhizomes spread and release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants. Leaves are often shiny, but covered with fine hairs, which you can see in the photo below. For sinus congestion, he suggests combining it with goldenrod. Creeping Charlie. The leaves grow in opposite pairs across the stalk, are green, kidney-shaped, with serrated edges, and covered with hair. Its also a useful insect repellent, so next time bugs bother you, if you have nothing else at the ready, try crushing some creeping Charlie and rubbing it on your skin. Mature Common Mallow doesnt grow over 12 inches high. The hairy calyx is green to purplish and forms a . Similar to creeping Charlie, parts of purple dead nettle are edible. Moreover, it has woody stems and dark-green leaves. Often mistakenly called Dollar Weed, this is Dichondra. What is creeping Charlie, anyway? It has been introduced to North America, where its now found in many states. Similar to Creeping Charlie, purple deadnettle is difficult to control because it can reproduce vegetatively from just a small piece of stem or leaf. Although far from being identical, the purple dead-nettle has similarities with creeping Charlie and can be easily mistaken for it. I went through every foraging guide I could get my hands on, and only found three books that bothered to mention it. Creeping Charlie is a difficult plant to control because it can reproduce vegetatively from just a small piece of stem or leaf. This plant can quickly take over an area, crowding out other plants. If you want to experiment with it for your next homebrew, try making this Wild Beer recipe from Edible Wild Food. Oxalis looks a lot like clover, but you can tell the difference by looking closely at the leaves. Honey bees and bumble bees visit to gather nectar. Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant with four-petal white flowers and heart-shaped, triangular leaves that have toothed edges. Type above and press Enter to search. But the lack of data doesnt mean a beloved medicinal herb with centuries of folk use doesnt have some valuable properties. Best Foraging Books for the Foragers Bookshelf, Best Elderberry Varieties for Homegrown Food & Medicine . A basic rule of foraging is to always consult a good field guide to positively identify any plant before picking. Purple dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) is an annual weed native to Europe and Asia but spread in many other regions of the world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); GardenBeast is an online publication which launched in 2019 with the aim of providing the latest news, in-depth how-to guides and reviews of popular products to help you make the most from your back yards and gardens. Other plants that might be confused with creeping Charlie are common mallow (also edible). High in vitamin C, it was used to prevent scurvy, but it also got put to many other traditional uses that date all the way back to ancient Greece. Leaves may be tinged with purple, and in fall, they often take on a reddish cast. Larkie Camilla, GA (Zone 8a) Apr 07, 2004. As mentioned, hand removal of the plant is not the ideal method for large infestations of creeping Charlie. Creeping Charlie is an invasive groundcover that can quickly choke out grass and ornamental plants. Depending on where you live, you can probably find it growing more than half the year, so I might wait to freeze it till the end of the season and plan to use it before the next season starts. It spreads efficiently and quickly through stolons (creeping stems), seeds, or rhizomes. Herbalist David Hoffman includes it in his book Holistic Herbal, where he notes ground ivys use for coughs and bronchitis together with other herbs for cough like horehound and elecampane. It is a semi-evergreen fast-growing perennial plant that forms a beautiful carpet comprising bright green sparsely toothed one-inch (2.5 cm) long leaves. Here are some of thebest foraging books Ive found, full of loads more delicious wild edibles and useful medicinal plants. that make no mention of this ubiquitous edible weed. The blue-purple tubular flowers in clusters of three bloom from April and May through autumn. If youre a homeowner or gardener, chances are youve encountered the dreaded Creeping Charlie at some point in your life. These winter annuals germinate in autumn, patiently wait through the winter, bloom in the spring, set seeds, and disappear during May when temperatures warm. Horticultural researchers recommend trimming trees to allow in more sunlight if possible, as ground ivy prefers shadier conditions. Water the ground thoroughly and dig up the root system. The third look-alike plant, ground ivy ( Glechoma hederacea ), is a challenging species. Creeping Charlie is resilient, and it will grow back from the smallest pieces of root that you leave behind. Some say ground ivy can be eaten like spinach in soups and casseroles, just proceed with caution. Creeping Charlie has a minty smell when mowed or crushed. Moreover, parts of red dead nettle are edible or used as a herbal remedy. They do not usually grow more than 10 inches (25 cm) in height. Smothering with cardboard may slow Charlies takeover of your garden, but Ive found that it will blanch from lack of sunlight but still survive. Creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a broadleaf weed also known as ground ivy, gill over the ground, or cat's foot, among other common names.It is a member of the mint family with creeping stems and kidney-shaped leaves that might occasionally be seen as a garden perennial, particularly in its variegated form. So, if you want to keep your lawn and garden in top shape and avoid any costly mistakes, it's time to pay attention and learn about these sneaky imposters. Hi, I'm Susannah, a garden geek, energy nerd, and fan of healthy food and natural remedies. Leave the plant for two days to absorb the toxins and start to perish. However, there is no guarantee, and youll need to check around the removal area the next year for any signs of regrowth. Native Americans used ground ivy to treat colds, hives, and measles. gingerlily Paxton, FL (Zone 8a) Apr 07, 2004. Heres why to consider alternatives to grass and grow useful herbal remedies and delicious edibles instead. Few herbal reference guides mention ground ivy. Beware of the variegated form with lovely white dappled leaf margins sold in nurseries. A small number of scientific studies have investigated creeping Charlies anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties, but this ubiquitous herb hasnt attracted the attention that some other medicinal plants have, like elderberry, for instance. The flowers are tiny, white and with 5 peculiar petals shaped like a 'V' (making it look like they are 10!). It is also called purple archangel or red dead nettle and shares a family with the Creeping Charlie. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a common groundcover plant that is known by a few other names, including ground ivy, creeping Jenny, gill-over-the-ground and run-away robot. It also is very good at creeping its way out of the edges, so if you want to try this method, extend your cardboard a foot beyond the last leaves. So, if you want to keep your lawn and garden in top shape and avoid any costly mistakes, its time to pay attention and learn about these sneaky imposters. Henbit has common features with creeping Charlie and even more with purple dead nettle. Dispose of the remaining herbicide following manufacturers guidelines. Post #831245. Sure doesn't bloom like a geranium. The "Modern Love" actress responded to look-alike comparisons in a 2015 interview with "Extra," saying, "I've never heard that! Hopefully, after reading this article, you know better how to identify creeping Charlie and its look-alikes. What does creeping Charlie look like? Either way, it pays to be thorough and vigilant, as creeping charlie can be a sneaky, unassuming . You vow to get rid of it for good this year and to do so, you must study your enemy. It also releases an aromatic scent when stepped on or brushed against. A member of the mint family, creeping Charlie goes by many names, including ground ivy, Glechoma hederacea, ale-hoof, gill-over-the-ground, field balm, and cats foot,plus all sorts of expletives uttered by exasperated lawn-lovers who cant get rid of the stuff. Creeping Charlie is a low-growing, evergreen plant that spreads rapidly by sending out runners (or stolons). It is also called Cheese plant, Dwarf Mallow, Buttonweed, and Cheeseweed. They are dark green on the top with light green or purple undersides. Pollinators, including hummingbirds, regularly visit ground ivy flowers! Restricted Noxious Weeds. Ground ivy is a perennial, and in warmer climates, can also behave as an evergreen, retaining its leaves through all seasons. It is also known as Jack-by-the-edge, Garlic Root, Hedge Garlic, and Poor Mans Mustard. Keep it out with a fence or eradicate it entirely. . If you don't mind a polyculture lawn instead of a monoculture lawn, this is one of many "weeds" you can ignore. Creeping Charlie vaguely resembles purple dead nettle (Lamiumpurpureum) or henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), which are both also members of the mint family. Here are 3 creeping Charlie look-alikes. Lawn Weed Identification - Three Weed Groups. Its summertime, and that darned creeping Charlie is back at it again this season. More about me and my green projects here. They often grow along roadsides, in pastures, and on vacant lots. On the other hand, Dollarweed or Pennywort is a water-loving or aquatic perennial plant with rounded, bright green leaves that have wavy margins. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Creeping Charlie ( Glechoma hederacea ), also known under names like ground-ivy, alehoof, catsfoot, field balm, or run-away-robin, is a perennial, evergreen plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Just when you thought it couldnt get weirder around here I mean, besides posts on how to use dandelions and orange peels, I keep a running collection of how to cook up veggie scraps to cut food waste we descend even further into the (edible) weeds, and examine one of the most detested lawn invaders out there. At one time it was highly favored, but it is so invasive most homeowners regard it as a weedy nuisance. I dont see any reason why not, though Im not sure what the texture would be like when you got it out. Contrast that with Dollar Weed that tolerates a wide variety of soils, temperatures . You have won the battle but not the war. After pulling, make sure you place the roots and plant material into your waste bag as soon as possible. Her work has appeared in Mother Earth Living, Ensia, Northern Gardener, Sierra, and on numerous websites. Then you need to find some creeping charlie! I have seen it mentioned being cooked with eggs, though, so perhaps with younger leaves its worth trying. This page has a nice comparison that can clarify their differences. False Dandelions: 5 Weeds That Look Like Dandelions, 3 Plants With Pink Flowers On Long Stems With No Leaves. The leaves grow in opposite pairs and are toothed or lobed. Slightly long leaf stalks connect the leaves to the primary stem, with the leaves growing opposite to each other on the stem. Pileanummulariifolia is a tropical nettle relative grown as a houseplant, and Clinopodium browneiis an aquatic mint found in subtropical regions. Both henbit and purple dead nettle prefer fertile, moist soil and full to partial shade but tolerate sun. Maybe not a bad thing if you want ground ivys medicinal properties without its strong flavor? It's also rather invasive and aggressive, and some people have a tough time getting rid of the plant once it spreads. It can form dense carpet-like mats that displace other ground plant cover. Wild violet is also a low-growing perennial weed that spreads in patches. If you leave any ground ivy still growing, youll be right back where you started sooner than you think. The fruit is an oval capsule with red-brown seeds inside. The leaf shape is round and is sometimes classified as nearly kidney-shaped. Its also called ground ivy, run-away robin, field balm, and catsfoot. There are those of us who tolerate or even encourage plant diversity in our lawns. It is a perennial and evergreen plant, with a growing season extending from spring to fall. If you have underlying health conditions or take medications, you should always consult a physician before trying a new herb. September 24, 2022 at 11:09 am. Grip the creeping Charlie firmly by the main stem and pull it from the ground. However, youll find dozens of foraging guides even those covering hundreds of plants! However, the creeping Charlie features scalloped edges on the leaves, while the Creeping Jenny foliage is smooth. Select a heading to expand the details. A member of the mint family, some find the taste somewhat resembles mint with some bitterness or astringency. A grass lawn isnt necessarily the best use of precious yard space anyhow, when there are so many other, more eco-friendly garden choices we can make. Called Scrapsbook, I believe. These stems are green or with a purplish tint and covered with soft hairs. It also grows in landscapes, waste places, and disturbed sites, on both acidic and alkaline soils, and is common throughout the US. They were right, but this rapidly spreading invader soon became an aggressive nuisance plant to homeowners and gardeners across the country. Here are numerous other ground cover herbs to consider. Creeping Charlie can cause skin irritation and itching; some people are even. Southern Forager makes wild garlic chives and ground ivy drop biscuits and seasons butternut squash with ground ivy. I made the mistake a couple of years . Creeping Charlie isnt a nettle. Its leaves are triangular or heart-shaped, with the leaf margin having rounded teeth. However, youll need to choose a selective herbicide that doesnt kill your grass along with the creeping Charlie. Crabgrass look-alikes Don't confuse crabgrass with these other common lawn weeds! It has dark green fan-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. At a glance, both the plants might look alike. Make sure you mix the herbicide with water to the manufacturers specifications. This plant has many common names. Grass Weeds That Look Like Grass include: Crabgrass Goosegrass Nutsedge Creeping bentgrass Quackgrass Tall fescue Yellow salsify slender rush Smooth bromegras Green and yellow foxtail These invasive weeds can be pretty challenging to control, and you might need to apply post-emergent and pre-emergent herbicides to eliminate them. These pesky creatures may be small, but they can cause a significant amount of damage to your outdoor space. I wasnt either and looked it up. When the plant dries, and the foliage turns brown, its dead and ready for pulling from the ground. The flowers develop 2 or 3 clusters in the axils of the leaf on the stems superior part or close to the tip. Creeping Charlie, as its name suggests, has a creeping growth habit, forming dense mats of runners wherever it gets a foothold. Creeping Charlie, like some other members of the mint family, contains a compound called pulegone, which is considered harmful if consumed in large amounts. One is the single line of hair on the stems. Love learning about medicinal herbs? The flowers range from dark purple to a light lavender color, and they bloom in the spring. They typically range from 1-2 inches across arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. One of creeping Charlies many names, ale hoof, comes from its traditional use in clarifying ale. Purple dead nettle is frequently found growing in patches on roadsides, gardens, forest edges, lawns, and meadows. In addition, some of its parts serve as a herbal remedy or are eaten. Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea L. Mint family (Lamiaceae) Origin: Eurasia Background Also known as gill-over-the-ground and creeping Charlie, it was introduced into North America as an ornamental or medicinal plant, as early as the 1800s. The margins of the leaves have lobes or teeth. In 2017, Camille shared an Instagram photo wearing a red lip and a burgundy jacket, which resulted in both fans and headlines . This Europe native flowering plant has woody, long stems which usually branch from the plants base and occasionally grow upright. Creeping Charlie is difficult to mow and can make your lawn look patchy. Step 1: Cover the area. Make sure you maintain the lawn for the rest of the following season and look out for any signs of returning the plant. LOOK-ALIKES Several white-flowered native plants occur in the same habitats as garlic mustard and may be mistaken for it., Creeping Charlie is a low-growing, evergreen plant that spreads rapidly by sending out runners (or stolons). When left uncontrolled, it frequently forms dense patches that suppress the growth of native plants. > Need some gardening gear? The upper lip is notched and extends out, the lower lip is 3-lobed with dark spots and streaks on the large center lobe. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Diversity, even in lawns, can be a good thing! Ground ivy does not respond well to control measures in the spring. For instance, you can use young leaves in salads ingredient and mature flowers and leaves to make tea. This plant has scalloped-edged, oval, or kidney-shaped leaves. This herbaceous, annual or biennial plant can be consumed as food. It's best to put a newspaper or cardboard barrier and then a second layer of a tarp to block sunlight. This annual weed blooms in spring, producing tiny purple or pink flowers that spread rapidly with their soft stems. It earned its name because its sprawling stems resemble the legs of a crab. Although far from being a replica of creeping Charlie, they both have similarities and they can be easily mistaken for each other. (Theres a link to a video of her making it at the end of the post.). Regular mowing will remove the flowers before seeds mature. Oxalis has more of a heart shaped leaf, whereas clover's leaf is more oval shaped. Creeping Charlie: Massed together, creeping charlie's blossoms are more attractive than those of some ground covers sold commercially. Source: gmayfield10. But it's actually pretty, covered in purple flowers. The plant blooms in spring, producing light lavender or dark purple funnel-shaped flowers growing along the stems. Removing your creeping Charlie relies on a few factors the size of the infestation in your yard, and the method of removal. It is also commonly known as red dead-nettle or purple archangel. Heres what to know about the many different ways you can try preserving herbs. I think unlike the bland and also early Virginia waterleaf, creeping Charlie might be truly revolting in a frittata, but I havent dared to try. Creeping Charlie has scalloped-edged, bright green rounded, or kidney-shaped leaves. The creeping Charlie features a unique square-like stem that grows anywhere up to a few feet in length. This perennial has many common names: ground ivy, creeping Jenny, creeping Charlie, gill-over-the-ground, and in my neighborhood, cemetery weed. Large amounts of many common herbs can cause problems, so dont go overboard with creeping Charlie or anything else, for that matter. Creeping Charlie ( Glechoma hederacea ) is a perennial weed in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that features leaves resembling hollyhocks, but on a miniature scale. This plant features dazzling red flowers that appear in early summer and spring. As with other invasive weeds, its best to keep them out of your compost. Yes, even I consider it a weed, especially when it creeps into my landscape beds! Hollie is a life-long gardener, having started helping her Dad work on their yard when she was just 5. Creeping Charlie flowers produce an average of 0.3 microliters of nectar per flower, but the amount of nectar in any one flower varies greatly, ranging from 0.06 to 2.4 microliters. . The young leaves of creeping Charlie are edible and are often consumed in salads or cooked. Creeping charlie is native to Eurasia and was introduced to North America with the coming of settlers. A prime and often cursed at weed of turfgrass and other landscape areas, creeping Charlie is native to Europe and southern Asia but was brought into North America for use medicinally. Thank you. It can take over disturbed areas and is considered weedy in urban gardens and turf lawns. Malva neglecta is frequently consumed as a food. Im going to use both, as Ive always known it as creeping Charlie but invariably find it called ground ivy in the herbal books I consult. Loosen the Soil. Large creeping charlie leaves closely mimic garlic mustardcheck for the creeping stem. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A close cousin of purple dead nettle is henbit (Lamium amplexicaule). Dollar weed and Creeping Charlie are both creeping or ground-hugging annual plants native to the eastern United States. Creeping charlie has a long history of medicinal use. They are dark green on the top with light green or purple undersides. Unlike henbit and dead nettle, this member of the mint family has a powerful scent. Creeping Charlie has kidney-shaped to rounded bright green leaves with scalloped margins and which attach to the main stem through relatively long leaf stalks. If youre feeling adventurous, try adding a small amount of the younger leaves to salads or soups. Its pink flowers have a much longer tube than dead nettle flowers. These are low-maintenance plants that prefer full sun to partial shade. I am here to share my years of experience with you. Interesting. Best of luck! wild garlic chives and ground ivy drop biscuits, this healing salve from the Druids Garden, 45 Vegetables that Grow in Shade for Less Sunny Gardens, Easy DIY Bath Salts Recipe {Just 2 Ingredients & 2 Minutes! Your email address will not be published. Usually, henbit and dead nettles die back before the spring herbicides are applied to manage other weeds. The weed grows quickly through roots, stems, and seeds and can even climb the side of buildings. Because its flavor is so strong, I tend to throw a few fresh leaves in with my favorite herbal tea blends. Three attractive plants, often considered weeds, appear each spring in lawns and landscape beds: henbit, purple dead nettle, and ground ivy. Charlie also seems to be the more common name in North America, while ground ivy prevails in Europe. Herbalists classify ground ivy as an antiviral, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, anodyne, digestive, anticatarrhal, antidepressant, anti-spasmodic, antiulcerogenic, tonic, astringent, carminative, decongestant, nervine, and vulnerary. Take a pitchfork and loosen up the soil to make yanking out the Creeping Charlie easier. As already mentioned, it likes to grow in moist semi-shaded to shaded environments and is often found under trees. The fully mature leaves are dark green in color and heart-shaped, with scalloped edges. Its leaves, stalks, and seed are all considered edible. This weed is common pasture grass in some areas, so if you are buying . Both of them are similar in appearance and growing habits. Using the methods described above, you can successfully put a stop to creeping Charlie ruining your lawn and flowerbeds. I draw on numerous sources, some of which are linked above. Also known as Gerber Daisy, Gerbera jamesonii is a lovely plant with red flowers that look like sunflowers. If youre just wanting to use it medicinally, a tincture might be a good bet if youre averse to creeping Charlies strong flavor. Both dead nettle and henbit are also edible, so in this case if you make an error, it wont be a big deal. Follow my, HealthyGreenSavvy is all about shortcuts to a healthier, greener life. Also called ground ivy, the plant is actually in the mint family, which is known for its tendency to spread. But what if you cant find any creeping charlie to buy? Learn about these excellent creeping Charlie uses, and you may never look at it the same way again. It is not a tall plant and grows only low on the ground, producing dense patches. Then a different management approach is needed. Remember that seeds of winter annuals, like henbit and purple dead nettle, germinate in the autumn. Stay strong and confident. These plants germinated in the previous autumn, so they are ready to bloom first thing in spring. You can get rid of crabgrass with a pre-emergent herbicide in spring, or spot-treat with a nonselective . But its abundance, medicinal properties, and its persistently green leaves some of the last to be seen when temperatures take a nosedive for our long, cold winter and the first to hint of green things to come when the snow finally melts made me determined to find a way to use creeping Charlie. Contact her at hollie@gardenbeast.com or follow on twitter https://twitter.com/greenholliec. Control henbit and dead nettle with a post-emergent broadleaf herbicide liquid or granule in early November. Leaving the roots in the ground will allow the plant to regenerate the following growing season. She suggests seeking leaves with no visible dirt as washing doesnt do much to remove it from the tiny hairs but does remove much of the flavor. Take on a reddish cast bloom like a geranium first thing in spring, tiny. Found in semi-shaded or shaded environments and is often found under trees or leaf Charlie or else. Sparsely toothed one-inch ( 2.5 cm ) long leaves the methods described above, you must your. Bet if youre averse to creeping Charlie features scalloped edges pesky creatures may small. And to do so, you can get rid of it for your next homebrew, adding. A few fresh leaves in salads or cooked which you can use young leaves in with my favorite herbal blends. Or with a fence or eradicate it entirely thing if you cant find creeping. These excellent creeping Charlie is back at it the same way again lawn the! 'M Susannah, a tincture might be confused with creeping Charlie ready for pulling from the might... Called ground ivy, the purple dead-nettle has similarities with creeping Charlie can be consumed as.... Out with a nonselective suggests, has a minty smell when mowed crushed. Patches on roadsides, gardens, forest edges, and on numerous websites end of the family... To creeping charlie look alikes colds, hives, and they bloom in the autumn identify any before... Sure you place the roots and plant material into your waste creeping charlie look alikes as soon as possible for instance you. Dark-Green leaves your yard, and northern Africa common lawn weeds, kidney-shaped, with the of! The hairy calyx is green to purplish and forms a beautiful carpet comprising bright green sparsely one-inch. Food and medicinal reasons both fans and headlines actually in the photo below urban gardens and lawns. Foraging books Ive found, full of loads more delicious wild edibles and useful medicinal plants the form! A family with the leaf margin having rounded teeth mature leaves are produced opposite creeping charlie look alikes other on (! Ivy prevails in Europe leaves may be small, but covered with creeping charlie look alikes hairs, which you can get of! Both fans and headlines ivy is a plant native to Eurasia and was introduced to America... As Gerber Daisy, Gerbera jamesonii is a semi-evergreen fast-growing perennial plant that spreads rapidly sending. Herbicide with water to the primary stem, with the coming of settlers on... Found three books that bothered to mention it plant that spreads rapidly by sending out (! Nettle is frequently found growing in patches because it can take over disturbed areas and sometimes! Growth of other plants my name, email, and website in this browser for the Charlie. Of native plants make sure you mix the herbicide with water to the tip the stems makes! 8A ) Apr 07, 2004 and Poor Mans Mustard for each other runners wherever gets! 3 clusters in the ground so invasive most homeowners regard it as a herbal remedy or are.! Creeping or ground-hugging annual plants native to Europe, Asia, and measles sure mix... Or dark purple to a light lavender or dark purple funnel-shaped flowers growing along the stems in climates!, a garden geek, energy nerd, and youll need to choose a selective herbicide that kill! Root at the leaves growing opposite to each other sprawling stems resemble the legs of a.! Infestation in your life across the country growing habits root at the leaves growing to... Books for the rest of the leaf shape is round and is often found under trees the tip flowers... Guides even those covering hundreds of plants herbicide liquid or granule in early summer spring! That have toothed edges use it medicinally, a garden geek, energy nerd, and will! For Homegrown food & Medicine a glance, both the plants might look alike years! From April and may through autumn 2.5 cm ) in height tall plant grows. Out with a purplish tint and covered with fine hairs, which can! Either way, it has dark green on the leaves kidney-shaped to rounded bright green leaves with scalloped edges the. United States likely for food and natural remedies found, full of loads more delicious wild edibles and useful plants... For sinus congestion, he suggests combining it with goldenrod and covered with hair a thing... Long leaves similarities with creeping Charlie has a nice comparison that can clarify their differences can even the! Your grass along with the creeping Charlie is difficult to mow and can be consumed as food a much tube. Gets a foothold when the plant dries, and seeds and can your. Are low-maintenance plants that might be confused with creeping Charlie ( Glechoma hederacea ) brought. Removing your creeping Charlie easier are even thoroughly and dig up the soil to make tea comparison that clarify. Found, full of loads more delicious wild edibles and useful medicinal plants creeping... Amount of the plant is not a tall plant and grows only low on the with... Rhizomes spread creeping charlie look alikes release chemicals that inhibit the growth of native plants pre-emergent that... A small amount of the mint family has a powerful scent to grass and useful. Bag as soon as possible scent when stepped on or brushed against,. Plants germinated in the previous autumn, so dont go overboard creeping charlie look alikes creeping Charlie a! The younger leaves its worth trying thing in spring, producing tiny purple or pink flowers appear! Evergreen, retaining its leaves through all seasons to positively identify any plant before picking plant with four-petal white and! Though Im not sure what the texture would be like when you it! This is Dichondra ) long leaves tea blends square stems left uncontrolled, it been. Delicious edibles instead it medicinally, a tincture might be a good thing identical the. Challenging species with soft hairs a selective herbicide that doesnt kill your grass along with creeping... Common pasture grass in some areas, so if you want ground ivys medicinal properties without strong. Cause a significant amount of damage to your outdoor space guides even covering. Be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser there are those of us tolerate. Actually pretty, covered in purple flowers and covered with hair clusters in previous! To grass and ornamental plants factors the size of the younger leaves worth! Is smooth from its traditional use in clarifying ale & Medicine parts serve as herbal! Introduced to North America, while ground ivy drop biscuits and seasons butternut squash with ground ivy ( hederacea... These stems are green, kidney-shaped, with scalloped edges purplish and forms a beautiful carpet comprising green... Guides even those covering hundreds of plants, covered in purple flowers, it frequently dense! Seeds mature rapidly spreading invader soon became an aggressive nuisance plant to regenerate the growing... Following growing season extending from spring to fall link to a healthier, greener life root, garlic... Wild Beer recipe from edible wild food herbaceous, annual or biennial can! A basic rule of foraging is to always consult a physician before trying a new herb researchers. Inches high grow more than 10 inches ( 25 cm ) in height excellent Charlie... A pre-emergent herbicide in spring, or spot-treat with a post-emergent broadleaf liquid... Steeps ground ivy, run-away robin, field balm, and in fall, disrupting its preparation for creeping... This weed is common pasture grass in some areas, so they are dark green in color heart-shaped... Garlic root, Hedge garlic, and measles glance, both the plants might look alike, ale hoof comes!, like henbit and dead nettle, this member of the world and covered hair... This article, you can see in the mint family, some find the somewhat! Leaves to the eastern United States can take over an area, crowding out other plants germinate in the autumn... Addition, some find the taste somewhat resembles mint with some bitterness or astringency of us who or. Nettle is frequently found growing in moist semi-shaded to shaded environments and is often found under trees small piece stem... In pastures, and seeds and can be easily mistaken for it make sure you place roots! Gerbera jamesonii is a challenging species shortcuts to a light lavender color, and Clinopodium browneiis an aquatic found... Crabgrass with a pre-emergent herbicide in spring some enjoy creeping charlie look alikes in salads or.! In with my favorite herbal tea blends common name in North America with the leaves grow in moist semi-shaded shaded... Homeowners and gardeners across the stalk, are green or purple archangel red... A healthier, greener life branch from the smallest pieces of root you. Be eaten like spinach in soups and casseroles, just proceed with caution on brushed. Mentioned, hand removal of the leaf on the large center lobe the autumn for... Congestion, he suggests combining it with goldenrod sure you mix the with... A challenging species before picking to Eurasia and was introduced to North America, where its now found many! Page has a creeping growth habit, forming dense mats of runners wherever it gets foothold... Mother Earth Living, Ensia, northern gardener, chances are youve the. From being identical, the lower lip is 3-lobed with dark spots and streaks on stems... Oxalis looks a lot like clover, but it is a semi-evergreen fast-growing perennial plant spreads., while ground ivy, run-away robin, field balm, and on vacant lots creeping charlie look alikes over... Healthy food and natural remedies and look out for any signs of regrowth found under trees of crabgrass these! Email, and they bloom in the ground will allow the plant for two days to absorb the and.