It's listed as a noxious weed in many areas. It only takes a moment and I really appreciate your help. Read more about purple dead nettle and henbit. They look very similar, as noted in the post, but this is creeping charlie, Glechoma hederacea, not henbit, Lamium amplexicaule. This plant is also known as Gil Over the Ground and is considered an invasive weed in lawns and is eradicated by both herbicides and by pulling it up by hand. As a member of the mint family, creeping charlie may be invasive. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a problematic perennial weed hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10. Ground ivy will readily regrow from small pieces left in the soil. Every time I smell it I smile, because it makes me think of grandma. As for dosage, that’s tougher to nail down, because it’s nearly impossible to tell exactly how much of an active ingredient is in a homemade tincture. Creeping charlie has a long history of medicinal use. The Weed Cookbook suggest steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water for 10 minutes to make a tea. The Holistic Herbal recommends it for sinus problems, coughs and bronchitis, tinnitus, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and cystitis. Thank you for you article. Creeping charlie can be eaten as … I have a question for one of your regular guests Dr. James Duke. Vitamin K does. Various species of wild bees still feed upon ground ivy, making it useful in that regard. Creeping charlie is an invasive perennial weed that vines throughout lawns and chokes out grass. Filed Under: Wildcrafting Tagged With: creeping charlie, weekly weeder, Wildcrafting. Not cool. Purple dead nettle is still edible – http://firstways.com/2011/02/17/purple-dead-nettle-a-weed-good-to-eat/. They form at the leaf axils. This plant is called Alehoof in many European countries where it is used in the making of beer and is used to help clarify home brews. I’m going to work on some updates and new info this growing season. It's good for coughs and colds. Overview Also known as ground ivy or creeping Jenny, creeping Charlie is a perennial, evergreen creeper in the mint family that loves moist, shady areas. The second plant is a common lawn weed, glechoma hederacea, also called ground ivy. Brewing a cup of Alehoof tea with a spoonful of sweetener, a pinch of Lite salt and baking soda helps replace the essential electrolytes that are purged when a person is ill. In beer making, it replaces hops, to clarify the beer and improve storage life. Stir to remove air pockets. It grows throughout most of North America, except for the far northern reaches of Canada and Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona. Tea made from the fresh or dried leaves is commonly used for minor colds, stuffy noses and congestion and for respiratory flu symptoms. I like creeping charlie as a ground cover 1. it spreads by itself to cover bare ground 2. it has a long flower period and is liked by bumblebees 3. it can be somewhat … Edible Wild Food says the leaves are high in vitamin C, and suggests the young leaves be eaten in salad or cooked like spinach. Creeping Charlie has fibrous roots that form along its square, typical-mint-family stems; as you try to weed it out of your garden, the stems break, leaving rooted bits that readily form new plants. A prime and often cursed at weed of turfgrass and other landscape areas, creeping Charlie is native to Europe and southern Asia but was brought into North America for use medicinally. Regardless of what you call Glechoma hederac, Creeping Charlie, Alehoof, Gil Over the Ground or Ground Ivy, this plant has many benefits including providing a nutritious food, soil stabilization and as an alternative medical treatment for minor injuries and common complaints. I never knew what creeping Charlie was but it does grow in my lawn as well. Many herbs that can be eaten are mild and gentle when used as a home remedy and Ground Ivy, another name for Creeping Charlie, Glechoma hederac, is safe to use by all people, young and old alike. It forms a very dense mat wherever it grows; its tiny toothed leaves are bright green and heart shaped and it has violet blue flowers from May to June in most climates. Dead nettle has pointed leaves and stands upright. When pulling by hand, you have to dig up all of the roots. Creeping charlie is an evergreen perennial weed in the mint family. Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Minnesota and Wisconsin notes the use of ground ivy for treating the following conditions: For a more in depth description of medicinal use, visit “Ground Ivy:  A Weed by Any Other Name“. Mix 1.25 cups of borax with 10 liters of water and pour into a bucket with a spray bottle. April 24, 2019 By Laurie Neverman 28 Comments This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. Many years ago creeping charlie was highly cultivated for its medicinal value. It prefers moist, shady areas, but can tolerate sun. Light purple, funnel shaped flowers appear from spring into early summer. I’m beginning to nurture an interest in wildcrafting and am loving learning new information! Now I’m not sure if we have this plant or purple dead nettle. I love the smell. Add honey and a splash of lemon,  if desired. I have tons of Ground Ivy (aka Gill over the Ground, creeping Charlie, lawn ivy, etc.) Thank you for this! The ability of this creeping plant allows it to spread quickly and stabilize soil preventing erosion. This aggressive weed likes moist, shaded areas, but it also grows in sun and will spread into turf and planting beds. Plants high in Vitamin C are often used to treat minor wounds and scratches and Creeping Charlie has been an herb that was used in the form of a decoction. We'll introduce you to this common lawn plant, its uses and benefits, and if need be, how to get rid of it. This one practically reaches out to smother me while working in the garden, and it’s got to be a great helper in some yet to be discovered way!!! This method would be ideal for use in flower gardens. It's now found all across the country, except in the Rocky Mountain states. The mild effects of Creeping Charlie allow it to be used for children, including when they have fevers and chest colds. Yes a great big YES! See Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea) Dosing And Safety for more information. It is possible that creeping charlie is high in vitamin K since it is a leafy green. A magic charm, it was used to prevent the cows from enchantment. According to the “lawn guys” who leave lists of the weeds in my lawn in my screen door, I have Henbit which looks a lot like this plant and is also edible. European settlers brought it to North America for medicinal and culinary use. It is used in Italian bath spas as a soak for backache. Southern Ag Weed & Brush Killer Specialty Herbicide. The borax should be used in a wet solution, not dry mixed with sand. Would a standard dose of alcohol tincture dilute be ingested or dropped into my ears? Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a perennial, evergreen weed in the mint family. Its high amounts of vitamin C may also interact with blood thinning drugs, such as Warfarin. I have made a vinegar weed killer in the past, but it will kill surrounding grass if used in a lawn, so I needed an … The more weeds I get to know, the more that I find are edible. I love your enthusiasm, Colette. It was soon discovered to be a pest because of its spreading habit. I think this is what we’ve had in our yard for the last 19 years (came with the house), and it has really spread this year! As a matter of fact, yes, creeping Charlie (also known as ground ivy) is edible. It’s pretty cool. Pour the borax mixture into 2 1/2 gallons of water. You can also subscribe without commenting. Poor Charlie! Keep up the great work. Creeping Charlie always reminds me of my grandmother Catherine, who had dense mats of this plant growing in shady parts of her lawn. The flavor is fairly strong, sort of citrus/pepper mix, so sample before you commit to larger quantities. It vines, and the stems also grow roots. Thanks for hosting this great linky party. For the chemical control of creeping Charlie in lawns, use a selective broadleaf weed killer that works specifically on creeping Charlie. Note, this post is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or treat a specific illness. Tea made from the leaves (1 oz. The same goes for vinegar. Please Like, Pin, Stumble or otherwise share this post if you enjoy learning about wild plants. Place a piece of wood, black plastic, tarp, or another object for smothering the Creeping Charlie over the weed. Occasionally, the flowers attract green metallic bees, bee flies, a Syrphid fly, Sulfur and White butterflies, and skippers. How to heal oneself without costly medications and all the side effects! A variegated form of the plant is sometimes used in hanging baskets. , Have this stuff all over my property and didn’t know it was edible…I’ll be trying it tonight :0). The Holistic Herbal recommends it for sinus problems, coughs and bronchitis, tinnitus, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and cystitis. It is very high in iron. The caterpillars of a polyphagous moth feed on the foliage of Ground Ivy, while the larvae of Ground Ivy Gall Wasp form galls on the stems, petioles, or leaves. Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea) Dosing And Safety, rennet substitute in the same way as nettles, Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Minnesota and Wisconsin, Recommended Wildcrafting Reference Books – Weekly Weeder #1, Stinging Nettle – One of Most Useful Wild Plants – Weekly Weeder #16, Benefits of Dandelion Plus How to Use Greens, Seeds, Roots & Flowers – Weekly Weeder #17, http://firstways.com/2011/02/17/purple-dead-nettle-a-weed-good-to-eat/, Mayo Clinic – Drugs and Supplements Vitamin C, 6 Ways to Get the Musty Smell Out of Clothes and Towels. It prefers moist, shady areas where it may be difficult for grass to grow, making it a useful ground cover. The following method uses the power of the sun as a home remedy for Creeping Charlie. That is not creeping charlie. How to Use Grass Clipping Mulch If Creeping Charlie is in Your Lawn. Creeping Charlie is a low growing plant, often found under trees and in shady areas in all but four states in the United States. Q. Hi Mike! Remove Creeping Charlie with Herbicide. Love it or hate it, creeping charlie is one tough plant. Please keep sharing these wonderful blog posts! Hello how do I use the Creeping Charlie for sciatica pain and how do I make the tea I have a lot in my backyard thank you. In many regions the first milking of the cows was actually done through a wreath of ground ivy. If you don’t have the time to spend pulling Creeping Charlie from your yard by hand, try starving the plant. Tincture is most common, but one source recommends 2-3 cups of tea per day. One method of dealing with creeping Charlie is to use borax. Gotta say, your Weekly Weeder series has really helped me shift my perspective from dread at the many invasive weeds that thrive up North to a more listening attitude and receptivity to the ways in which they may be allies. Typical tincture usage is 5-10 drops in water, several times per day. Creeping Charlie is also known as ground ivy, gill-on-the-ground, and creeping Jenny. A native of Europe, it spreads by seeds and creeping stems that root wherever they touch the ground. But I have been fascinated with herbs but didn’t realize that their is more than what I am use to seeing. Creeping Charlie was introduced into North America from Europe by early settlers who thought it would be a good groundcover for shade. To make a basic tincture, finely chop clean dry plant material (enough to loosely fill your jar of choice), and cover with alcohol (I use 40 proof vodka). It is commonly known as ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, and run-away-robin. I’m glad it doesn’t hurt, though it can become distractingly loud. In the Middle Ages, Creeping Charlie was known as Ale-Hoof and was added to beer for flavor, to clarify, and add shelf life. Considered a safeguard against sorcery it was worn by milkmaids when first milking cows in the pastures. Since my liver is not very tolerant of alcohol, I am wondering if a tincture with water or oil might be effective, or alternately if applying it dilute to my skin might be a less reactive way to get a positive response? Yeah! The leaves are small – about the size of a thumbnail – and appear in pairs along the stem. Here’s to learning about new things and adventurous eating! European settlers intentionally brought Creeping Charlie to America for its culinary and medicinal uses. I have my Creeping Charlie in a pot, it’s longest runner is 42 inches. “Ground ivy has a long history of use in alternative medicine and as an edible herb, dating back to the first century A.D. it was long considered a panacea (cure-all). Ground Ivy can be added to bath as an emollient to soften skin and has a sedative effect. Weed or not, I love it for the memories of our old property that the smell evokes when I touch or crush it. Ground Ivy is a staple for spring tonics and salads and the high Vitamin C content of this plant are beneficial to the kidney and urinary tracts. Its actions are listed as, “Anti-catarrhal, astringent, expectorant, diuretic, vulnerary and stimulant”. The ancient Saxons once used creeping charlie as part of their beer brewing process. Consuming Creeping Charlie Eat creeping charlie like leafy greens. Studies indicate it is also strongly antibacterial. Also called ground ivy, the plant is actually in the mint family, which is known for its tendency to spread. Thank you for this post, I enjoy the Weekly Weeder series and was excited to see this topic–I grew up with creeping Charlie all over our backyard and it is very prevalent in certain areas of our province. how ever you spell it. like everyone else I thought the weeds in my yard where just that. Kathy's wonderful post on this herb also includes some fun bits of folklore: Ground ivy has a strong connection with the powers of magic and divination. Tonics were once common in most households as the winter diet did not contain many fresh foods especially those high in Vitamin C. Additionally this plant improves the appetite which is also important after an illness, injury or childbirth. , Thanks for this post, we have this growing in the paths of our garden. Creeping Charlie has creeping stems and very fine hairs all over the plant. The best control method is hand pulling the plant intact (if possible) while it is flowering. But I would verify that before publishing. Most of the time when someone mentions Ground Ivy the comment usually is something like How do I get rid of the damned stuff? Some gardeners might confuse the creeping Charlie for the creeping Jenny. Many broadleaf weed killers can be applied more than once in a season with a minimum waiting period between applications. Oh, what I would do to have a wild-crafter come and tell me what everything is on this plot of land! Some definition of tinnitus include these symptoms, some do not. Creeping charlie, or ground ivy, is a flowering weed that grows in shady, moist areas and, if left unchecked, can quickly take over other areas of your lawn. is an aromatic, perennial, evergreen creeper of the mint family Lamiaceae. The tiny flowers also attract pollinators. It is a perennial evergreen ground creeper extending its trailing runners as much as 36 inches. The first Europeans settlers brought this plant to the United States because it grew easily and quickly, provided food that was easily stored and prevented scurvy. The leaves can be gathered and dried for later use as both a home remedy and as a vitamin packed addition to soups, stews and vegetable dishes. A member of the mint family, the herb forms long trailing stems that create a dense mat over the ground. Glechoma hederacea commonly known as Ground-ivy, field Balm, ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, run-away-robin, creeping jenny, Haymaids, hedgemaids, hove, lizzy-run-up-the-hedge, robin-run-in-the-hedge, run-away-robin, tun hoof, tunhofe, turnhoof, wild snakeroot is an aromatic, perennial, evergreen creeper of the mint family Lamiaceae. Used by the ancient Saxons for brewing beer, it was brought to this country from Europe for medicinal purposes. You can boil the leaves, strain the leaves out and use the water to wash scratches, scrapes and abrasions. Illinois Wildflowers shares the wildlife uses of creeping charlie: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, mason bees, a cuckoo bee, a long-horned bee, an Anthophorine bee, and small carpenter bees. In addition, the high Vitamin C content may help to keep them healthy. Eliminating Creeping Charlie. Nonetheless, since it grows profusely in my garden, which has full exposure to the sun and tends to be pretty wet for an extended period into early summer, I’d like to try it. What does creeping Charlie look like? I want to learn all I can about the herbs and their uses so that I can live a healthier life, and maybe help my mom with her osti. The leaf surface has sparse, short hairs. I truly am THRILLED TO JOIN this site! That means it prevents scurvy. Plant Identification – Stems, Leaves, Roots and Flowers, « Natural Allergy Relief – 15 Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies, Home Freeze Drying – Read this Before You Buy a Freeze Dryer ». Creeping Charlie is native to Europe and southwest Asia. Creeping Charlie leaves produce bright, shiny green, round or kidney-shaped leaves that are broadly cordate and have scalloped margins. Never Buy Bread Again has over twenty bread recipes for all occasions, plus troubleshooting for common baking problems and tips on how to store your bread. It is an antiscorbutic. At a glance, both the plants might look alike. For several years, I have been hearing a high pitched buzzing, ringing , fluctuating tone that is very noticeable when the weather is changing. This post is #25 in the Weekly Weeder series, which is devoted to helping you use and manage wild plants. That is henbit. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TEACHING US THE VALUES OF PLANTS! Originally published in 2012, last updated in 2019. Another suggests adding it to your salad. If Creeping Charlie has infiltrated your lawn, you can’t very … Creeping charlie has a long history of medicinal use. Since I starting learning about plants, every walk outside has me looking around with new eyes. Your email address will not be published. It is used as a salad green in many countries. . It was generally used to clarify the beverage and give it some flavor. Creeping Charlie is native to Europe and was first used in the US as a ground cover. Cover and let steep for 4-6 weeks, stirring occasionally. Please be careful when putting medical info on the internet. Ground ivy should not be used if you have liver or kidney trouble, are epileptic, or if you are nursing or pregnant, because it contains very small amounts of pulegone. Creeping charlie can be used as a rennet substitute in the same way as nettles, but it wouldn't be my first choice because of the distinctive flavor. Ground ivy crawls across the ground with rounded leaves. Another common name for this plant is Ground Ivy. Young leaves may have a purple tint. It is also sometimes known as creeping jenny, but that name more commonly refers to Lysimachia nummularia. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a perennial ground cover that has been a thorn in the side of homeowners and professional lawn care companies alike for many years.In Minnesota, you can find it growing in full shade, partial shade, and even in the full sun areas of your lawn. I am trying to find a recipe for a tincture for tinnitus if you could share one I’d be most appreciative I’m not sure how it is made or taken thank you , Lauren Roy, Sugar Hollow Farm. It may become dormant in hot weather. Any way you can ingest it may be helpful. The boron in the borax remains immobile in the soil and can accumulate to form a toxic hot spot in the lawn. I cannot legally offer information to diagnose or treat a specific illness. Enough borax to kill creeping charlie may also make the soil sterile for everything else. Thank you for this! After this has been accomplished, it is important to ensure that this pesky flowering invader no longer attempts to take over your yard. Glechoma hederacea is not the same as henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) or Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum L.), AKA red deadnettle, red henbit. This perennial lawn weed is also hardy in zones 2 – 12, making it a nuisance nearly everywhere. Glad you enjoy them, Char. Too much may make them sick. It also has a solidifying affect on the bowel system allowing it to be a very useful remedy for gastrointestinal flu. I have seen and heard all sorts of remedies, including using extra nitrogen fertilizer for the lawn, spraying with a dilute boric acid solution, and various chemical herbicides; however, I can assure you that they may work for some fol… Glechoma hederacea also has a long history of use for food and medicine – with some precautions, as noted above. This plant has also been used as substitute for rennet in the cheese making process. Required fields are marked *. Sometimes the leaves may appear to be tinted purple, especially the under side. The ritual use of ground ivy was popular and the herb was often woven into crowns and garlands to be worn on Midsummer’s Eve. Try to spray only the leaves and try not to drip onto the soil or any plants you would like to leave. As mentioned above, ground ivy makes a good ground cover where grass doesn't like to grow, preventing erosion. European settlers carried it around the world, and it has bec… As with most things herbal, individual results will vary, as the plants and people involved vary. Studies indicate it is also strongly antibacterial. The foliage has a strong, spicy odor when damaged. Creeping Charlie has been used for many years as a medicine. Many herbs that can be eaten are mild and gentle when used as a home remedy and Ground Ivy, another name for Creeping Charlie, Glechoma hederac, is safe to use by all people, young and old alike. Creeping Charlie is usually used as a tonic. The tea instructions are in the Food Uses section. Children who eat a healthy diet that can include dried powdered Ground Ivy sprinkled over their food may be able to resist many of the common illnesses to which they are exposed. It has dark green, kidney shaped leaves with scalloped edges. Having many beneficial properties, this lowly plant can help stabilize soil plus provide a range of home remedies; the leaves have been used as a pot herb for centuries. Always exercise caution when using any wild plants and make sure you have positively identified the plant. And people walk all over him. This plant prevents will remain rooted during minor flooding and heavy rains plus scientific study is proving the insecticidal properties of the leaves are effective against some species of potato bugs that is not a toxic chemical but interferes with the bugs ability to digest carbohydrates. It can quickly form a dense mat, which smothers other vegetation. The first is an easy-care houseplant with attractive light green leaves (often variegated white or yellow) with small lavender flowers. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Leaves are opposite on square stems that root at … Creeping Charlie is also known as ground ivy, Alehoof, Catsfoot, creeping jenny, gill-over-the-ground, haymaids, field balm, run-away-robin and tunhoof. Well last week I tried my first chickweed grilled sandwich and it was totally awesome, yummy. You can also control creeping charlie by smothering it under heavy mulch, or solarize it with black plastic. It can be invasive in lawns so removing it thoroughly is essential. And make sure the product is suitable to use on the variety of grass you grow. Firmly grasp the base of the Creeping Charlie, and tug it up gently to remove all of the … Creeping Charlie can be a real nuisance if - make that when - it gets into flower beds or the lawn. Read more about purple dead nettle and henbit. I keep it fairly under control as it is invasive and wants to take over, but the bees love it. Your email address will not be published. Vitamin C does not interfere with Warfarin. Aww thanks for the mention. I didn’t know it was edible/medicinal. Nepeta glechoma Benth., Nepeta hederacea (L.) Trevir.) Other magical uses of ground ivy included promoting sleep, meditation, healing, love, friendship and fidelity. Must be a real creep to have such as vigorous plant named after him. Glechoma hederacea (syn. Vitamins and other chemicals are quickly lost when a person is vomiting or has diarrhea. Despite their popularity for weed control, goats probably won't eat creeping charlie unless they have no other options. Using sound judgment to be more self-reliant. Pull It Out. I really enjoy reading all your insight on plants. Ground ivy prefers rich, moist soils in partial to full shade, and readily volunteers in lawns, gardens, along roadsides and in other shady spots. Tea made from the fresh or dried leaves is commonly used for minor colds, stuffy noses and congestion and for respiratory flu symptoms. There are two plants that are called creeping Charlie. The plant is a perennial broadleaf weed, blooming in the spring/summer and dying back in fall/winter. Its actions are listed as, “Anti-catarrhal, astringent, expectorant, diuretic, vulnerary and stimulant”. Creeping Charlie is a resilient and adaptive vine that can quickly overtake a lawn, smothering your grass, and killing the turf you’ve nurtured for years. Glechoma hederacea, also known as Creeping Charlie, is an invasive purple-flowered weed that grows in shady places. From Mayo Clinic – Drugs and Supplements Vitamin C: Vitamin C in high doses may interfere with the blood-thinning effects of aspirin, anticoagulants such as warfarin(Coumadin®) or heparin, and anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®). Our girls love the pretty purple flowers! The plant spreads by seed and rooting at the nodes, forming a dense mesh of vegetation. You can eat the remaining leaves. Crossbow32 weed is best for the killing of the … Here at ETW we have have the solution. I always thought it had to do with sensitivity to electromagnetics around me. The creeping Charlie produces purple, cone-shaped flowers, and the foliage spreads close to the ground, acting like a ground cover. Attractive light green leaves ( often variegated white or yellow ) with small lavender flowers I use..., love, friendship and fidelity is for informational purposes only, and is not to... You can ingest it may be difficult for grass to grow, preventing erosion and other chemicals quickly! Smell it I smile, because it makes me think of grandma flowers from. In addition, the flowers attract green metallic bees, bee flies, Syrphid. To take over your yard I thought the weeds in my lawn as well plant! Tell me what everything is on this plot of land think of grandma, an... 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