Ground Ivy, Creeping Charlie, Gill-over-the-ground
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Lamiales, Family: Lamiaceae, Genus: Glechoma, Species: Glechoma hederacea · Lamiaceae (Mint family) · Simple; broad-leaved evergreen/perennial
Species
Glechoma hederacea
Leaf Type
Simple; broad-leaved evergreen/perennial
Family
Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Shape
Reniform (kidney-shaped) to cordate (heart-shaped) with rounded lobes
Size
Typically 1 to 3 cm in diameter; seen specimen shows leaves roughly 1.5 cm wide which is average for the species
Margin
Crenate (rounded teeth)
Arrangement
Opposite
Rarity
Very Common; typically considered a widespread weed
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green; darker on the upper surface; may turn reddish-purple in cold weather or high light
Venation Pattern
Palmate at the base, becoming reticulate (net-like) toward the edges; veins are somewhat recessed giving a wrinkled look
Texture & Surface
Pubescent (fine hairs present), slightly rugose (wrinkled), matte to slightly glossy depending on age
Description
A low-growing, creeping perennial herb that forms dense mats. It has square stems characteristic of the mint family and small, tubular blue-violet flowers that bloom in spring. It spreads aggressively via stolons (runners) that root at the nodes.
Key Features
Square stems, kidney-shaped leaves with crenate margins, opposite leaf arrangement, and a distinct minty/musky odor when crushed
Habitat
Moist, shaded areas, lawns, gardens, and woodlands with nitrogen-rich soil
Geographic Range
Native to Europe and Asia; widely naturalized and often invasive in North America
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor; the specimen is dried and pressed, showing signs of desiccation and mechanical damage typical of an herbarium-style mounting
Interesting Facts
In medieval Europe, it was used to clarify and flavor ale before the widespread use of hops (hence the name 'Gill-over-the-ground', from the French 'guiller' meaning to brew).
Medicinal & Uses
Used in traditional herbal medicine for respiratory and digestive issues; high in Vitamin C. Often used as a groundcover in areas where grass won't grow.
Ecological Role
Provides early spring nectar for bees, especially ground-nesting bees; can be highly aggressive/invasive, displacing native woodland flora
Similar Species
Lamium amplexicaule (Henbit) has leaves that wrap the stem; Lamium purpureum (Purple Dead-nettle) has more triangular, reddish top leaves
Foraging Tips
Look for square stems and smell for a pungent minty-sage aroma. Best harvested in spring when leaves are tender and flowers are present.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic to horses if consumed in large quantities due to volatile oils (pulegone); generally safe for humans in small culinary amounts but should be used with caution