Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), also called ground ivy, is a persistent perennial weed that can quickly dominate a lawn environment. This aggressive, invasive plant creates dense mats of foliage that actively compete with turfgrass for nutrients and light. Because of its rapid spread and difficulty to eliminate, homeowners often seek control methods. Successfully managing this weed requires a persistent, multi-faceted approach, combining specific chemical treatments with cultural practices.
Identifying Creeping Charlie and Its Growth Habits
Identifying Glechoma hederacea involves recognizing its distinct physical traits, particularly its foliage and stem structure. The leaves are kidney-shaped to rounded, dark green, with scalloped edges, and grow opposite one another on the stem. When crushed, the plant releases a recognizable minty aroma, a characteristic shared with the mint family (Lamiaceae).
The most telling feature is the square cross-section of its stem, a hallmark of the mint family. Small, funnel-shaped, bluish-purple flowers appear in the leaf axils, typically blooming from March through June. The plant spreads rapidly via stolons, which are horizontal runners that creep along the soil surface. These stolons readily root at every node, creating new plants and making physical removal challenging, as any small fragment left behind can regenerate the infestation.
Non-Chemical Control Strategies
For small infestations or areas where chemical use is a concern, manual removal is an option. Hand-pulling can be effective, but it requires persistence and meticulous attention, as every rooted node must be removed to prevent re-sprouting. This method works best when the soil is moist, making it easier to extract the entire runner and its shallow root system without breaking the stems.
Smothering the weed by blocking sunlight is another non-chemical approach, using materials like landscape fabric, thick newspaper, or cardboard. This technique requires covering the infested area and extending the barrier 6 to 12 inches beyond the visible perimeter to ensure all runners are included. Cultural practices also discourage Creeping Charlie, as it thrives in moist, shady conditions where grass struggles to grow. Pruning lower tree branches to increase sunlight and improving soil drainage creates an environment that favors turfgrass.
Effective Chemical Treatment Options
Managing widespread infestations requires specific postemergence broadleaf herbicides, as common weed killers are often ineffective. Successful chemical control relies on products containing triclopyr or dicamba, which are highly effective against this particular weed. These chemicals work systemically, moving through the plant’s vascular system to kill the entire structure, including the stolons and roots.
Timing the application is a significant factor in achieving high efficacy, with the late fall period being the most advantageous time for treatment. After the first frost, the perennial plant actively transports nutrients down to its root system to prepare for winter dormancy. Applying the herbicide at this time allows the chemical to be effectively translocated deep into the root structure, maximizing its destructive capability. A second application in early spring, when the plant is beginning to flower, is recommended as a follow-up to target any surviving plants.
Herbicide effectiveness is further boosted when the application is made when temperatures are between the mid-60s and low 80s, and no rain is expected for at least 24 hours. The treated area should not be mowed for a few days before and after application to ensure the leaves have maximum surface area to absorb the chemical. Since Creeping Charlie is difficult to eradicate completely in a single season, a program of sequential applications over multiple years, alternating between triclopyr and dicamba products, is often necessary to achieve total control.
Long-Term Prevention and Lawn Health
Once the existing Creeping Charlie has been treated, the long-term strategy for prevention centers on creating a dense, healthy turfgrass environment that physically out-competes the weed. This means adhering to proper lawn care practices that promote robust grass growth, leaving less open space for the ivy to establish itself. A healthy lawn begins with regular fertilization, which provides the necessary nutrients for grass to maintain a thick canopy.
Raising the mowing height to between 2.5 and 3.5 inches encourages the grass to develop deeper, stronger roots and shades the soil, making it less hospitable for weed germination. Aerating the soil periodically helps alleviate compaction, which improves air and water circulation, further supporting the grass’s vigor. Any bare spots in the lawn should be promptly addressed by overseeding, as open soil is an immediate invitation for Creeping Charlie and other weeds to colonize. A thick, well-maintained lawn acts as a natural barrier, inhibiting the return of this aggressive perennial.