Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy)
Glechoma hederacea
Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) (Glechoma hederacea) is a perennial broadleaf weed characterized by scalloped round kidney-shaped leaves; square stems; violet-blue trumpet flowers; minty scent when mowed.. It anchors via a creeping stolons root system and is selectively controlled using Triclopyr (Triclopyr + 2,4-D) applied during active flowering or after first autumn frost applied during mid-autumn after the first light frost when ground ivy mobilizes carbohydrates to roots..
Triclopyr (Triclopyr + 2,4-D) applied during active flowering or after first autumn frost
Scalloped round kidney-shaped leaves; square stems; violet-blue trumpet flowers; minty scent when mowed.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's EPA-approved pesticide product label. The label is the law under federal FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) regulations. Application rates, personal protective equipment (PPE), target weed maturity stages, temperature restrictions, and grazing or re-entry intervals specified on the EPA container label supersede all online recommendations. Local state regulations may restrict certain active ingredients.
University-Verified Herbicide Formulations
Professional active formulations cross-referenced against university weed science trials.
Tenacity Herbicide (Mesotrione 8 oz)
Active: 40% Mesotrione Selective Systemic
Gold standard selective pre- and post-emergent targeting crabgrass, ground ivy, yellow nutsedge, and clover during overseeding.
SedgeHammer+ Turf Herbicide (Halosulfuron 0.5 oz)
Active: 5% Halosulfuron-methyl with Surfactant
Pre-mixed with surfactant for 1-gallon sprayers. Translocates into underground nutlets without injuring cool or warm season lawns.
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Botanical Identification Key for Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy)
Accurately identifying Glechoma hederacea is essential because spraying non-selective chemicals like glyphosate risks killing desirable lawn grass. Look for these botanical hallmarks:
- Foliar Morphology: Scalloped round kidney-shaped leaves; square stems; violet-blue trumpet flowers; minty scent when mowed..
- Root Architecture: Anchored by a creeping stolons, making manual pulling ineffective unless the entire root crown is extracted.
- Growth Period: Active during perennial cycles, flourishing when lawn turf is stressed or cut too short.
Eradication Protocol & Selective Herbicide Selection
To eradicate Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) while preserving your lawn turfgrass, apply Triclopyr (Triclopyr + 2,4-D) applied during active flowering or after first autumn frost during Mid-autumn after the first light frost when ground ivy mobilizes carbohydrates to roots.. Ensure that the active ingredients match your host turfgrass tolerances:
- Temperature Safety Band: Apply when ambient air temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F. Never apply volatile ester herbicides in temperatures exceeding 85°F to prevent herbicide vapor drift and leaf burn.
- Adjuvant / Surfactant: For waxy or hairy weed foliage, mix with a methylated seed oil (MSO) or non-ionic surfactant according to EPA label instructions to enhance chemical cuticle penetration.
- Mowing Holdback: Do not mow the lawn 2 days prior to spraying or 2 days after application to maximize foliar surface area for chemical absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy)
01 How do I kill Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) without harming my lawn?
Use a selective herbicide labeled for your specific turfgrass species containing Triclopyr (Triclopyr + 2,4-D) applied during active flowering or after first autumn frost. Spray when Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) is actively growing during mid-autumn after the first light frost when ground ivy mobilizes carbohydrates to roots.. Always check your host grass in our weed triage tool before application.
02 Why does pulling Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) by hand often fail?
Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) anchors via a creeping stolons. Hand-pulling often breaks the crown or leaves underground root fragments, rhizomes, or nutlets behind, which triggers rapid regrowth. Systemic selective herbicides translocate down through the vascular tissue to destroy the entire root structure.
03 What class of weed is Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy)?
Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) is classified botanically as a Broadleaf weed with a Perennial life cycle.
04 When is the best time of year to treat Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy)?
The optimal eradication window is Mid-autumn after the first light frost when ground ivy mobilizes carbohydrates to roots.. Applying when temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F ensures maximum chemical absorption and prevents foliar heat stress to your desirable lawn.