Ground pine

Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), also known as creeping charlie, alehoof, field balm, and run-away-robin, is a perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to North America and is considered an invasive species in some areas.

Description

Ground ivy is a creeping, rhizomatous plant with square stems that root at the nodes. The leaves are kidney-shaped with scalloped edges, and the flowers are small, tubular, and purple-blue in color. The plant has a strong, distinctive smell when crushed.

Habitat and Distribution

Ground ivy prefers moist, shaded areas, but can tolerate a variety of conditions. It is often found in woodlands, hedgerows, and along riverbanks, as well as in gardens and lawns. In North America, it is most common in the Midwest and Northeast.

Uses

Historically, ground ivy has been used for medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for bronchitis, tinnitus, and kidney disease. It has also been used as a culinary herb, particularly in the brewing of beer, hence one of its common names, "alehoof". However, it is considered toxic to livestock and should not be consumed in large quantities.

Control

Controlling ground ivy can be challenging due to its aggressive growth and ability to regenerate from small pieces of root. Methods include hand-pulling, mowing, and the use of herbicides. However, these methods may not be fully effective and may need to be repeated over time.

See Also

• Invasive species in the United States
• List of Lamiaceae genera
• Medicinal plants

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