Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) – also known by the common names “gill-over-the-ground”, “ale-hoof”, “run-away-robin” and “ground ivy” – is a fast-growing, perennial weed that grows low to the ground. Many gardeners find it the bane of their existence! But, it does provide some value to foragers and herbalists.

Here’s a photo of Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) taking over the flower bed I have right in front of our catio:

This dense mat of Creeping Charlie has almost completely taken over this raised garden bed in one fall/winter period.

Last year, this bed was filled with annual flowers and some valerian. Creeping Charlie took over during the fall and winter and grew into dense mats in just a few short months!

We also have some large sections of Ground Ivy taking over some sunny woodland spots, including one that’s not super far from our treasured 40+ year old patch of pink lady slippers.

There’s a lot of Creeping Charlie invading this wooded area!

For this reason, I find myself pulling handfuls of Creeping Charlie every year. Since it’s an aggressive plant that crowds out and suppresses the growth of native plants and isn’t a good pollen source for bees, don’t feel bad for pulling up or controlling large swaths of Creeping Charlie from your gardens or yard.

There’s no shortage and some of the plants you remove can still be put to good use!