Ground-ivy
Glechoma hederacea
Also listed as Nepeta hederacea, Calamintha hederacea
Also known as Gill-over-the-ground, Creeping Charlie, Runaway-robin
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous, low-growing groundcover with small rounded leaves and delicate purple-blue flowers in spring. It spreads rapidly and is often used in shade gardens, though it can become invasive.
Why grow it
Ground-ivy establishes quickly in shaded areas where slower groundcovers struggle, making it useful for rapid erosion control or bare-slope stabilization in temperate climates. It tolerates poor soil and foot traffic better than many fine-textured groundcover alternatives. However, its vigor means it requires deliberate containment rather than minimal management, so it works best in bounded settings rather than open woodland restoration.
Watch out for
This plant spreads by creeping stems that root at nodes, so hand-removal often leaves behind fragments capable of regenerating. In moist conditions it can become matted and dense enough to exclude other plantings, requiring periodic cutting back or thinning to maintain mixed planting schemes. Monitor containment regularly, particularly at edges adjacent to naturalized areas.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
European
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous, low-growing groundcover with small rounded leaves and delicate purple-blue flowers in spring. It spreads rapidly and is often used in shade gardens, though it can become invasive.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Ground-ivy grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Ground-ivy establishes quickly in shaded areas where slower groundcovers struggle, making it useful for rapid erosion control or bare-slope stabilization in temperate climates. It tolerates poor soil and foot traffic better than many fine-textured groundcover alternatives. However, its vigor means it requires deliberate containment rather than minimal management, so it works best in bounded settings rather than open woodland restoration.
Watch out for
This plant spreads by creeping stems that root at nodes, so hand-removal often leaves behind fragments capable of regenerating. In moist conditions it can become matted and dense enough to exclude other plantings, requiring periodic cutting back or thinning to maintain mixed planting schemes. Monitor containment regularly, particularly at edges adjacent to naturalized areas.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
European
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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