Ground ivy.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Indoor light

low

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Ground cover, stems up to 1m long

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 9

Bloom time

Spring to early summer

Care

This plant is tough and adaptable, thriving in shade but tolerating some sun. It spreads readily through runners and can be difficult to eradicate once established. If you want to control its spread, keep an eye on its growth and remove excess stems.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Feeding

Generally not needed, but a light feeding in spring can help if growth seems poor.

Pruning

Prune to control spread and remove dead growth, especially in spring and summer.

Repotting

Rarely needs repotting as it spreads so easily; divide if plant becomes too dense.

Soil

Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but adaptable

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral

Temperature

-34.4 to 26.7°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

Glechoma hederacea is not considered significantly toxic to humans, though consuming large quantities might cause mild stomach upset.

Children

There are no specific choking hazards, but as with any plant, ingestion should be avoided.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation upon prolonged contact with the sap.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is not typically considered a significant respiratory allergen.

Edibility

While the leaves are edible and have been used in teas and as a seasoning, it's important to be absolutely sure of your identification before consuming any wild plant.

How to identify it

• Trailing, creeping stems
• Kidney-shaped to rounded leaves
• Scalloped leaf margins
• Small, tubular, purple-blue flowers
• Distinctive minty-camphor scent when crushed

Height

0.05 to 0.15m

Spread

0.3 to 1m

Leaves

Green, semi-evergreen

Flowers

Purple, Blue, 0.8 to 1.5cm

Common problems

• Invasiveness — Spreads aggressively via runners and seeds, often outcompeting desirable lawn grasses and garden plants.
• Powdery Mildew — A common fungal disease that appears as white, powdery patches on leaves, especially in humid conditions.
• Leaf Spot — Fungal or bacterial infections causing discolored spots on the foliage.

Growing it

Propagation

Stem cuttings, Division, Runners

When to plant

Spring, Autumn

When planting Glechoma hederacea with other plants, be mindful of its vigorous spreading habit and consider containment methods if necessary.

Grows well with

• Wild Ginger — They often share similar moist, shady woodland habitats and can create a lush groundcover together.
• Hostas — Hosta's larger foliage can help to visually balance Glechoma hederacea's smaller leaves, and they appreciate similar growing conditions.
• Ferns — Many ferns thrive in the shady, moist environments where Glechoma hederacea can also grow, creating a naturalistic understory.

Keep away from

• Lawn Grasses — Glechoma hederacea can aggressively outcompete and displace desirable turfgrasses, becoming a weed in lawns.
• Other aggressive groundcovers — While they might share similar growth habits, their aggressive nature can lead to competition for space and resources.

Similar species

• Mint — Both belong to the mint family and share similar square stems and aromatic foliage, though mints are typically more upright.
• Creeping Thyme — Both are low-growing, spreading groundcovers, but creeping thyme has a more shrubby texture and different foliage characteristics.

Science

Family

Lamiaceae

Genus

Glechoma

Order

Lamiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Europe and parts of Asia

Conservation

This plant is not of conservation concern; in many areas, it's considered an invasive species.

It's a perennial herb that colonizes disturbed areas and open woodlands, spreading rapidly to form dense mats.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, pollen source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

groundcover, culinary herb

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How do I control Glechoma hederacea?

Manual removal of runners, improving lawn health, and in severe cases, targeted herbicide application may be necessary.

Can it grow in shade?

Yes, it thrives in partial to full shade, as well as in sunnier locations.

What kind of soil does it prefer?

It's quite adaptable but generally prefers moist, fertile soil.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Glechoma' comes from the Greek word 'glechon', referring to a type of mint. 'Hederacea' is Latin for 'ivy-like', referencing its creeping growth habit.

Good to know

• It's been used medicinally for centuries, often for respiratory ailments.
• Its distinctive minty aroma is released when the leaves are crushed.
• In folklore, it was sometimes associated with fairies and good luck.