Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) — also known as ground ivy, creeping Jenny, catsfoot, or gill-on-the-ground — is a challenging weed to control. This invasive plant has creeping stems that continue rooting and spreading. You’ll recognize it by its distinct mint-like aroma when crushed or mowed and by its tiny purple flower blooms in spring.
Why Creeping Charlie is a Problem
Originally from Europe, creeping Charlie was brought to North America by early settlers who used it as a ground cover and medicinal herb.
Today, it’s considered a stubborn weed rather than a garden plant. Here’s why it’s such a problem:
- Creeping Charlie thrives in moist, shady areas and takes advantage of bare spots where other plants are removed. It grows aggressively to cover open ground.
- It’s resistant to many common herbicides, so controlling it takes persistence.
- The shallow roots are easy to pull up, but removing all the spreading roots is nearly impossible. Creeping Charlie is better controlled than totally eliminated.
- The spreading stems root wherever they touch the soil, allowing the weed to creep steadily outward.
How to Control Creeping Charlie
Controlling creeping Charlie requires diligence and repeated efforts. If you are struggling with this weed, try the following methods described in the dropdown tabs below.
- After removing creeping Charlie, plant turf grass or other groundcovers to occupy the bare space so weeds can’t re-establish. Mulch alone won’t stop it.
- Improve drainage by amending soil and fixing any grading issues that allow puddling. Creeping Charlie thrives in consistently moist soil.
- Increase sunlight and airflow in shady areas where creeping Charlie grows. Thin trees and shrubs or remove plants to open the area.
- Repeated applications are likely needed since the weed is resistant and spreads aggressively. Don’t allow new growth to take hold.
- Time applications for maximum effectiveness. Spray in fall when the weed is storing nutrients in its roots and again in spring when it flowers.
- Use a post-emergence herbicide containing dicamba, triclopyr, or a combination of both. Products marketed to control creeping Charlie include Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, and Ortho WeedClear.
- Be persistent with natural weed control methods like follow-up digging to remove new growth. It’s almost impossible to remove every piece of every root, so monitor the area.
- Combining manual removal with other methods like herbicide treatments will give the best control.
- Manual removal is time-consuming but can be done. Thoroughly dig out roots, removing all traces. Discard plant materials rather than composting.
- Boiling water may damage creeping Charlie when poured directly on growth. Take measures to avoid harming nearby plants. Reapply as needed.
- Maintain healthy weed-free lawns and gardens so desired plants fill in space, leaving no room for creeping Charlie to establish.
- Some gardeners report success using borax/boron products, but the results are mixed. It’s challenging to find the correct dosing without harming other plants. Use with extreme caution.
When to Call a Professional
Extensive creeping Charlie growth overwhelming a large area warrants calling in a professional service for chemical treatment. Companies have access to more powerful herbicides homeowners can’t purchase — professionals also know the most effective application methods.
For many homeowners, the best approach is attempting self-treatment first and then calling in an expert if creeping Charlie persists. Be aware that total elimination is very difficult, even for professionals — control and containment are more realistic goals.
So, is Controlling Creeping Charlie Possible?
Creeping Charlie is undeniably one of the most challenging weeds for homeowners to eradicate. While total elimination is improbable, containing its spread and limiting growth are attainable goals with persistence.
Combining manual removal, chemical treatments, and prevention measures gives the best chance of success. Just don’t expect quick results when battling creeping Charlie — slow and steady wins this race!
FAQs About Creeping Charlie
What does creeping Charlie look like?
Creeping Charlie has square stems, round leaves with scalloped edges, and small purple flower blooms. The stems root at nodes and spread rapidly across the ground. When crushed, the leaves give off a minty smell.
Will vinegar kill creeping Charlie?
Vinegar is not effective against creeping Charlie. As an acid, it does not travel through the plant and kill the roots. Stick to targeted herbicide products.
Is creeping Charlie edible?
While historically used as a medicinal tea, creeping Charlie contains compounds that can be toxic to livestock and should be avoided. The plant is not considered edible.
Is creeping Charlie native to North America?
No, creeping Charlie is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It was introduced to North America by early settlers who planted it as a ground cover. It has since become an aggressive, invasive weed.
Does creeping Charlie have deep roots?
No, the roots of creeping Charlie are relatively shallow. However, they spread aggressively along the ground and root at nodes, making manual removal very difficult.
