Glechoma hederacea (Ground-ivy) is a flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to Europe and southwestern Asia. Other common names include Alehoof, Creeping Charlie, Field Balm, Run-away-robin, ground ivy, and Gill-runs-over-the-ground or Gill-over-the-ground. It is easily identified by its opposite fan-shaped leaves. All plant parts have a strong and distinctive earthy aroma when crushed.

It is a variable species, its size being influenced by environmental conditions, from 5 cm up to 50 cm tall. It has small, round or reniform, crenate leaves 2-3 cm diameter, on 3-6 cm long stalks. The bluish-violet bilaterally symmetrical flowers grow in opposite clusters of 2-3 flowers in the leaf axils on the upper part of the four-sided stem.

It is a common plant in grasslands and wooded areas, or on wasteland. It thrives in lawns and around buildings, since it can survive mowing.

Ecological aspects

A number of wild bees fly upon this plant. Examples are Anthophora furcata, Anthidum manicatum, Anthophora plumipes, Anthophora quadrimaculata, Osmia aurulenta, Osmia caerulentes, and Osmia uncinata.

Cultivation and uses

It is sometimes grown as a potted plant, and occasionally as a ground cover. It can be a problem weed in heavy, rich soils with good fertility, high moisture, and low boron content. It thrives in shady areas where grass will not grow, though it can also be a problem in full sun. Small infestations can be controlled through hand weeding. Repeated weeding is required because the plant is rhizomatous and will continue to grow from its roots.

While often thought of as a weed for its propensity for spreading, the plant has culinary and medicinal uses. It makes an excellent and tasty herb tea that is rich in vitamin C, and the essential oil of the plant has many potent medicinal properties. The plant has been used for centuries as a general tonic for colds and coughs and its biochemical constituents are known to reduce inflammation and congestion of the mucus membranes. Pick a handful of the fresh herb, rinse it, and place in a teapot with hot water to create a pleasant, healthful tea.

External links

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• Ground Ivy at altnature.com

Lamiaceae

Gundermann | Lierre terrestre | Glechoma hederacea | Šliaužiančioji tramažolė | Hondsdraf | カキドオシ | Bluszczyk kurdybanek | Jordreva | Розхідник звичайний