Leaf
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Wikimedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ground ivy
Glechoma hederacea L.
Also known as: Creeping Charlie, Alehoof, Gill-over-the-ground
Family: Lamiaceae
10 to 30 cm
Lawns, woodland edges, hedges, shady places
Flowering: March – May
Full sun
Part shade
Shade
Very hardy, to -20°C
❓ How do you recognise this plant?
Despite its name, it is not an ivy but a member of the Lamiaceae (mint family) — the square stem and aromatic leaves confirm it.
🍃 Leaves
Heart-shaped, crenate, opposite, aromatic when crushed
🌸 Flowers
Small, blue-violet, in whorls in the leaf axils
🍎 Fruits
Small achenes
🪵 Bark
Creeping square stems that root at the nodes
🗺️ Distribution
Europe, western Asia; very common in France in woodland, lawns and hedge margins
🐝 Value for pollinators
Early violet flowers rich in nectar, an important nectar source for bumblebees and bees in spring
✂️ Horticultural uses
Used as ground cover for shady areas, sometimes invasive in lawns
⚠️ Possible toxicity
No known toxicity to humans at usual doses; toxic to horses in large quantity
🌿 Other Lamiaceae to discover
ℹ️ Educational profile — do not use it to judge whether a plant is edible or safe.
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