Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy): How to Identify and Control It
Glechoma hederacea · Perennial broadleaf
How to identify creeping charlie
- Round to kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges
- Square stems (mint family) with a minty odor when crushed
- Small purple-blue tubular flowers in spring
- Creeping stems root at each node
Why it shows up
Shady, moist areas where grass is thin.
Control methods
1. Cultural (prevention)
- Improve drainage and light; consider shade-tolerant grasses or groundcovers
- Raise mowing height
2. Mechanical
- Rake to lift runners and pull — remove every rooted stem piece
3. Organic options
- Smother patches with cardboard and mulch, then replant
- Borax remedies are not recommended; they can harm soil and plants
4. Chemical options
Herbicide safety: The label is the law. Use only products labeled for your site and grass type, follow rate, timing, and weather directions exactly, wear listed protective equipment, keep people and pets off treated areas as directed, and check state and local rules. Active ingredients named here are examples, not endorsements.
- Selective broadleaf herbicides containing triclopyr or dicamba, often best in fall
- Two applications may be needed
When to treat creeping charlie in the Mid-Atlantic
For perennials, fall is usually the most effective time for selective treatment — from mid-September until a few weeks after your first fall frost — because plants are moving sugars (and herbicide) down to roots. Spot-treat or dig in spring as needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get rid of creeping charlie naturally?
Start with cultural and mechanical controls: Improve drainage and light; consider shade-tolerant grasses or groundcovers; Raise mowing height; Rake to lift runners and pull — remove every rooted stem piece.
What does creeping charlie look like?
Round to kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges; Square stems (mint family) with a minty odor when crushed; Small purple-blue tubular flowers in spring; Creeping stems root at each node.
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