Ground Ivy

Glechoma hederacea

Ground ivy was introduced for its medicinal properties and since has spread into moist forests and along streams in the eastern and northern United States. It spreads mostly from its stems, but also through seeds.  

Ground ivy creeps along the ground, covering it with round or kidney-shaped round-serrated leaves (1 – 3” diameter). They are arranged oppositely along the stem. It is from the Mint family so leaves release a mint odor when crushed. And, like other mints, the stems are square. Blue violet flowers whorl around the leaf axils; these bloom in early spring. 

Fact Sheet: Ground Ivy

Photo credits (left to right): Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org; Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org

Photo Credit:  Leslie J. Mehrhoff