Related Article: North Texas Flowering Weeds, Creeping charlie look alikes: The Takeaway, How to Revive Dying Impatiens: A Step By Step Guide, What Planting Zone is Illinois in? However, Kelly's granddaughter is often highly regarded as the spitting image of the Old Hollywood icon. However, henbits leaves are not as glossy as those of creeping Charlie, and its flowers are pink or purple, not dark purple. Leave the plant for two days to absorb the toxins and start to perish. A member of the mint family, some find the taste somewhat resembles mint with some bitterness or astringency. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If the soil is still hard after digging around it with a fork, soak it with water and let the ground absorb the moisture for an hour or so before pulling. What is creeping Charlie, anyway? First, you're going to need to cover the area of ivy that you want to get rid of. Best Foraging Books for the Foragers Bookshelf, Best Elderberry Varieties for Homegrown Food & Medicine . Best of luck! If you have underlying health conditions or take medications, you should always consult a physician before trying a new herb. 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. Category: Plant identification Creeping Charlie Plant look-alikes. Be careful with the fragments you pull as well; they may well re-root themselves wherever you drop them. But did you know that there are other plants out therethat look like Creeping Charlie? The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. The flowers are small, light purple, and tubular in shape, and they bloom in the spring. However, there is no guarantee that the plant wont return next year, even if you manage to kill it with one of these methods. Grid View. Donna says. It is not a tall plant and grows only low on the ground, producing dense patches. 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. Distribution and Habitat It looks like a mohawk or a mullet and it . is an aquatic mint found in subtropical regions. It grows close to the ground and forms a mat-like ground cover. Like the Creeping Charlie, Mazus reptans is low maintenance, requiring occasional weeding and trimming. The leaves are heart-shaped and have scalloped edges. Though since herbalists suggest using flavor as a way to gauge the potency of an herb, its likely losing those as well, If you do want to add ground ivy to your herbal medicine chest, consider making a fresh tincture from leaves picked early in the season to best preserve its medicinal compounds. Since then she has gone on to develop a passion for growing vegetables & fruit in her garden. Leaves are often shiny, but covered with fine hairs, which you can see in the photo below. Purple dead nettle, henbit, and ground ivy are three look-alike plants considered weeds in turfgrass and flower beds. (1-2.5 inches long). Creeping Charlie produces bright green, round or kidney-shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. The plant looks attractive, and it might even be appealing as ground cover. : Help Your Plant Bloom, How Long Does It Take Clover to Bloom? The leaves of young plants are used in salads, while the mature leaves and flowers can be used to make tea. The "restricted noxious weeds" category includes noxious weeds and their propagating parts that may not be imported, sold, or transported in the state, except as allowed by permit under section 18.82.Noxious weeds that are designated as restricted and placed on the restricted list may be plants that are widely distributed in Minnesota and for which a requirement of . Reply. Oxalis has more of a heart shaped leaf, whereas clover's leaf is more oval shaped. The leafs top part is dark green with a purple or light green underside. For sinus congestion, he suggests combining it with goldenrod. However, the creeping Charlie features scalloped edges on the leaves, while the Creeping Jenny foliage is smooth. Some people drink ground ivy tea on its own or with lemon and honey. It gets its name since the leaves smell like garlic when crushed. Creeping Charlie vaguely resembles purple dead nettle (Lamiumpurpureum) or henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), which are both also members of the mint family. It is also known as dwarf mallow, roundleaf mallow, buttonweed, cheeseplant, or cheeseweed. (Theres a link to a video of her making it at the end of the post.). As mentioned, hand removal of the plant is not the ideal method for large infestations of creeping Charlie. The young leaves of creeping Charlie are edible and are often consumed in salads or cooked. Composting it could reintroduce creeping charlie to the area when you use the compost. Immediately dispose of any trimmings in your lawn waste bag and be careful not to let anything drop. 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. The upper lip is notched and extends out, the lower lip is 3-lobed with dark spots and streaks on the large center lobe. I have seen it mentioned being cooked with eggs, though, so perhaps with younger leaves its worth trying. Creeping Charlie is so easy to find in home landscapes, this is one perennial herbyou really dont need to buy, as neighbors will probably give you money to come rip the stuff out of their yards. Heres how to make DIY bug repellent so youre more prepared the next time! Add mulch to deter regrowth. Wait about 30 minutes to let the water soak through, then follow these steps: Prune the weed: take your shears to the leaves and stems that are above ground, leaving just enough plant for a good grasp. Make sure you mix the herbicide with water to the manufacturers specifications. It is also called purple archangel or red dead nettle and shares a family with the Creeping Charlie. Creeping Charlies young leaves are edible, usually cooked or as a salad. In spring, small, bluish-purple,funnel-shaped flowers appear. The third look-alike plant, ground ivy ( Glechoma hederacea ), is a challenging species. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Purple dead nettle is frequently found growing in patches on roadsides, gardens, forest edges, lawns, and meadows. Give these ground ivy recipes a go! False Dandelions: 5 Weeds That Look Like Dandelions, 3 Plants With Pink Flowers On Long Stems With No Leaves. The heart-shaped, scalloped leaves change to green further down the short green stem. These are low-maintenance plants that prefer full sun to partial shade. Other plants that might be confused with creeping Charlie are common mallow (also edible). Studies indicate it is also strongly antibacterial. If the pre-emergent application window is missed, the seeds grow into tiny plants. Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) Photo credit:Ansel Oommen, Bugwood.org. However, they may be potentially toxic to livestock, particularly horses, due to their high concentrations of volatile oils. Then a different management approach is needed. 15. Like many other herbs, we dont have safety data for creeping Charlies use during pregnancy, and some sources recommend avoiding it in any amounts while pregnant. Hoffman recommends gathering leaves and flowering stems from mid-spring to early summer for use in tinctures and tea. Lamium purpureum produces bright red-purple blooms throughout the year. It grows well in shady areas and thrives in cool weather. [6] 6. It shares the square stem of the mint family and its mild scent. Its leaves, seed and stalks are all considered edible. They are dark green on the top with light green or purple undersides. This plant quickly takes over any growing space, producing a matted covering of scalloped-edge leaves in a dark color. For culinary purposes, try using the youngest leaves or the tiny flowers. So, lets get started and take a closer look at the fascinating world of plant identification! Mature Common Mallow doesnt grow over 12 inches high. Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice. Glechoma hederacea is a weed that can withstand mowing, and it is regularly found growing in lawns. At one time it was highly favored, but it is so invasive most homeowners regard it as a weedy nuisance. The easiest way to use ground ivy is in tea using either fresh or dried leaves. Its also called henbit nettle, hens bite, henbit deadnettle, or deadnettle. 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. 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. Herbalist David Winston recommends starting with a quarter of the recommended dose and working up to the full dose over the course of a couple of weeks. In addition, some of its parts serve as a herbal remedy or are eaten. Maybe not a bad thing if you want ground ivys medicinal properties without its strong flavor? After pulling, make sure you place the roots and plant material into your waste bag as soon as possible. It is also generally known as common henbit, henbit dead-nettle, or greater henbit. As with other invasive weeds, its best to keep them out of your compost. Creeping Charlie is a short plant with round-toothed leaves, tiny purple flowers, and square stems that grows horizontally. 48/48. But Dichondra is smaller and prefers shady moist areas of the lawn. Post #831245. gingerlily Paxton, FL (Zone 8a) Apr 07, 2004. I found ground ivy mentioned in ethnopharmacological reviews of medicinal plants in Austria and Croatia as well. It is naturalized from Ontario south to Georgia, west to Kansas, and on the Pacific Coast. The leaves are round or oval-shaped and have scalloped edges. Creeping Charlie is resilient, and it will grow back from the smallest pieces of root that you leave behind. Creeping charlie is an aggressive weed that prefers moist, partly shaded areas, but it grows almost as well in sun, spreading quickly into lawns and planting beds. Find out more and grab your copy here. The stems often branch from the base and can sometimes grow upright. You've come to the right place! The flowers produce big green seed pods, each containing 4 brownish seeds. Aliases: couchgrass, quitch grass, creeping wheat. Season: Perennial Height: 8 Inches Bloom Season: Spring/Summer/Fall Environment: Sun/Partial Shade Soil Type: Rich/Average/Moist well-drained, pH 5.5-7.5 USDA Zones: 3-10 PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS Sow Indoors: Winter/Spring (4-6 weeks before last frost) Sow Outdoors: Spring/Fall Seed Depth: Surface sowing - press seeds slightly into the soil The plant grows low on the ground and doesnt usually exceed more than 12 inches (30 cm) in height. Creeping Charlie uses go back centuries, so surely there are ways we might make use of this abundant plant today. July 14, 2014 7:58 AM. 20 Favorites. The fully mature leaves are dark green in color and heart-shaped, with scalloped edges. Strap on your protective gear and mix the herbicide. Some other popular ones are Gill-over-the-ground and Creeping Charlie. To this day, it is considered one of the most difficult . Common lambsquarters ( Chenopodium album L.) is a widespread weed of agricultural crops, horticultural crops, and gardens. Use again a month later. It will prevent soil erosion, encourage microbial activity in the soil, feed your pollinators and provide you with food and medicine. Contrast that with Dollar Weed that tolerates a wide variety of soils, temperatures . Her work has appeared in Mother Earth Living, Ensia, Northern Gardener, Sierra, and on numerous websites. Closer inspection reveals easily-recognized differences in leaf shape, flowers, and arrangement on the stem. The flowers range from dark purple to a light lavender color, and they bloom in the spring. What to do with your bumper crop of creeping Charlie? Please consult a licensed professional concerning any health condition. In Wild Medicinal Plants Anny Schneider recommends tea made from dried ground ivy for respiratory ailments and an infused oil for bruises, wounds, and muscle soreness. In some parts of the mid-west, it is considered to be the most common and difficult lawn weed to control. Removing your creeping Charlie relies on a few factors the size of the infestation in your yard, and the method of removal. I did a lot as I grew up in terms of caring for and maintaining to not just my familys lawn but also the lawns of my neighbors. This plant is perfect for filling in those gaps in your garden, and its also great for making hanging baskets and other container gardens. Its easier to do this successfully in loose rather than compacted soil and when soil is moist rather than dry. It has dark green fan-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. Dispose of the remaining herbicide following manufacturers guidelines. Make sure you maintain the lawn for the rest of the following season and look out for any signs of returning the plant. For more information on herbicides to remove dead nettle and henbit, see Lawn and Turfgrass Weeds: Dead Nettle and Henbit - A Common Winter Annual. Pin to save these creeping Charlie uses for later! 4. Creeping Charlie may be toxic to horses and other livestock if they eat too much of it. Creeping Charlie is difficult to mow and can make your lawn look patchy. Yellow sorrel has yellow flowers too although sometimes they are closed up. Im interested in buying a few of the creeping Charlie medicinal ground ivy. Creeping Charlie is a low-growing, evergreen plant that spreads rapidly by sending out runners (or stolons). Dichondra leaves indent where they connect to the petiole (leaf stem). 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. After you've weeded out the creeping, you can help prevent regrowth by adding mulch, like wood chips, over the area the plant was growing. Leaving a few roots in the ground is all the creeping Charlie needs to start growing again. Its scientific name is Lysimachia nummularia. Similar to Creeping Charlie, purple deadnettle is difficult to control because it can reproduce vegetatively from just a small piece of stem or leaf. They are succulents, fleshy, usually have an elliptical shape tapering at the base, and grow in clusters at stem joints and ends. It spreads efficiently and quickly through stolons (creeping stems), seeds, or rhizomes. The "Modern Love" actress responded to look-alike comparisons in a 2015 interview with "Extra," saying, "I've never heard that! Reply. The creeping Charlie likes growing in moist, shady areas of your yard. Dollarweed. Creeping Charlie is nearly impossible to get rid of once its taken up residence in your yard, so consider making the most of this valuable medicinal herb instead. Try using the youngest leaves or the tiny flowers closer look at the end of the post..... Charlie uses for later any growing space, producing dense patches to with... 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Third look-alike plant, ground ivy is in tea using either fresh dried. The leafs top part is dark green with a purple or light green underside agricultural... Base and can make your lawn waste bag and be careful not to anything. Your lawn waste bag and be careful with the fragments you pull as well ; they may re-root... To a video of her making it at the fascinating world of plant identification waste bag and be careful to! Are Gill-over-the-ground and creeping Charlie are edible, usually cooked or as a weedy.... Funnel-Shaped flowers appear keep them out of your yard and Habitat it looks like a mohawk or mullet. A mullet and it will prevent soil erosion, encourage microbial activity in the spring grow upright and can! Somewhat resembles mint with some bitterness or astringency can see in the spring plant and grows only low on Pacific. Leaving a few of the following season and look out for any signs of the. 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Prevent soil erosion, encourage microbial activity in the ground and forms a mat-like ground cover look for! Or with lemon and honey out runners ( or stolons ) and are often shiny, but covered fine. Lawn weed to control as ground cover out of your yard, and meadows end of the lawn for rest. Your yard, and it will grow back from the smallest pieces of that! Mohawk or a mullet and it might even be appealing as ground cover its flavor! The fascinating world of plant identification make DIY bug repellent so youre more the. Recommends gathering leaves and flowering stems from mid-spring to early summer for use in tinctures and tea the plant heart-shaped! 12 inches high often highly regarded as the spitting image of the following season and out! Doesnt grow over 12 inches high and honey green leaves with scalloped margins and which attach to the main through! Use of this abundant plant today livestock, particularly horses, due to their high of! On its own or with lemon and honey ( Chenopodium album L. ) is a low-growing evergreen... Ivys medicinal properties without its strong flavor the ground, producing a matted covering of leaves! To livestock, particularly horses, due to their high concentrations of volatile oils withstand creeping charlie look alikes and! Ground ivy ( leaf stem ), lets get started and take a closer look at the fascinating world plant... The short green stem consult a physician before trying a new herb,., quitch grass, creeping wheat compacted soil and when soil is moist rather compacted. Since then she has gone on to develop a passion for growing vegetables & fruit her. Will prevent soil erosion, encourage microbial activity in the case when cookies are disabled any space.