ExplorePlants

ground-ivy

Glechoma hederacea

Ground-ivy is a lovely green plant that grows close to the ground. It has pretty, round leaves and small purple flowers that bloom in spring. You can often find it in gardens and parks!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The ground-ivy is a low-growing, creeping perennial with distinctive kidney to heart-shaped, scalloped leaves. Its small, trumpet-shaped flowers are typically purplish-blue and grow in clusters where the leaves meet the square stems, forming dense mats.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusGlechoma
ground-ivy
flowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
ground-ivy

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

If you crush its leaves, you might smell something minty or even a bit like catnip!

Its old name, 'alehoof', hints at its historical use to flavor beer before hops were common!

Some people call it 'creeping Charlie' because of how fast it creeps along the ground!

This tough plant can quickly recover from being stepped on or mowed, bouncing back stronger each time!

Special abilities

Ability

Rooting Renegade

Ground-ivy has creeping stems that can root at their nodes, helping it quickly spread and colonize new ground.

Ability

Shade Seeker

This plant can thrive in deep shade, an adaptation that allows it to grow where many other plants struggle to survive.

Ability

Scented Signal

Ground-ivy's crushed leaves release a strong, minty aroma, a chemical defense that can deter hungry herbivores.

Ability

Tough Treader

Its low-growing, mat-forming habit helps ground-ivy withstand trampling and frequent mowing, allowing it to persist in lawns.

Measurements & details

Height
5-20 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to early Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Its nectar-rich flowers attract these busy insects.

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Large bees visit its flowers, collecting nectar and pollen.

eaten by

Garden snail

Helix aspersa

Snails often graze on its leaves, especially young foliage.

eaten by

European rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Rabbits browse on its leaves when other food sources are scarce.

Traits

Also known as

AlehoofCreeping Charlie

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before touching or picking any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is ground-ivy?

5-20 cm

How big are the flowers on ground-ivy?

1-2 cm

When does ground-ivy bloom?

Spring to early Summer

Is ground-ivy edible?

Yes

Is ground-ivy toxic?

Mild

What is ground-ivy's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is ground-ivy pollinated?

Insect

Where is ground-ivy usually found?

Urban areas

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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