Creeping Charlie or Gill Grass

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), also known as ground ivy and gill-over-the-ground, grows as a perennial ground cover. The plant was first cultivated as an ornamental but has become quite invasive and often invades turf grasses as a weed.

Identification

• Creeping Charlie grows approximately 6 to 18 inches in height. It produces purple flowers from May to July that measure approximately 1/2 inch in diameter and have a tubular shape. The green foliage of the plant is kidney-shaped with a ruffled edge. It normally grows in creeping clumps.

Planting Location

• The plant spreads through seeds, stolons and a creeping rhizome root system. It flourishes in disturbed locations or areas of the lawn that are patchy. Creeping Charlie grows best in partial or full shade. It prefers moist soil conditions for optimum growth.

Prevention/Solution

• Hand-pick creeping Charlie to remove in small areas. Apply a layer of mulch 3 to 4 inches thick to flower beds where the plant has been removed to help discourage its regrowth. Regularly mowing lawns that suffer from creeping Charlie weeds will help weaken the plants. Herbicides are also available that can help to control the weed.