Ground Ivy

Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District

Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie)
Glechoma hederacea [C-value 0]
Mint family (Lamiaceae)
Blooms April - August

The non-native (European) Ground Ivy is very common (unfortunately) in our area. It is an invasive that frequents floodplains and waste areas and keeps trying to move in to our natural wet areas. Even shady lawns are invaded by "Creeping Charlie." This perennial is usually less than 1' tall, branching frequently and forming a low-growing mat ("ground cover"), unlike other mints. The opposite leaves are about 1" long, orbicular, and crenate along the margins. Clusters of 1-3 tubular, bluish violet to reddish purple flowers, about ½" in length, develop from the leaf axils.

Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie) along Minkler Road May 5, 2015

Ground Ivy along woodland trail at Millbrook South Forest Preserve May 4, 2013

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