What is Creeping Charlie? A Comprehensive Guide
What Is Creeping Charlie?
Creeping Charlie, also known as Glechoma hederacea, is a herbaceous perennial plant that was introduced from Europe to North America.
It spreads through seeds and creeping stems and is known for its bright green, round or kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges.
In the spring, it produces bluish-purple flowers and emits a mint-like odor when crushed.
Creeping Charlie thrives in moist, shady areas and can be controlled by improving soil drainage, reducing watering, pruning trees to increase light levels, and growing shade-tolerant turfgrass varieties.
In vegetable or flower gardens, it can be manually removed, although it’s more difficult in heavily infested areas.
Postemergence broadleaf herbicides with triclopyr are effective for control but should not be used in vegetable or flower gardens.
These herbicides should be applied during the active growth period, with mid to late autumn being the most effective time.
A second fall application may be necessary, and spring applications should coincide with the blooming period.
Other herbicides like dicamba, MCPP, 2,4-D, or 2,4-DP can also be used, but dicamba should not be used more than twice per year.
Organic control methods like using borax are not recommended as they do not provide long-term control and can harm turf and other plants.
Glyphosate herbicide can be used to kill all vegetation and reseed, but careful adherence to label instructions and ideal application temperature is necessary, and mowing should be avoided before and after application.
Key Points:
- Creeping Charlie is a herbaceous perennial plant introduced from Europe to North America.
- It spreads through seeds and creeping stems and has bright green, round or kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges.
- It produces bluish-purple flowers in the spring and emits a mint-like odor when crushed.
- Creeping Charlie thrives in moist, shady areas and can be controlled by:
- improving soil drainage,
- reducing watering,
- pruning trees,
- growing shade-tolerant turfgrass varieties.
- In vegetable or flower gardens, manual removal is possible but more challenging in heavily infested areas.
- Postemergence broadleaf herbicides with triclopyr are effective for control. They should be applied during the active growth period in mid to late autumn or spring during the blooming period. Other herbicides can also be used but should be used carefully.
- Organic control methods like using borax are not recommended. Glyphosate herbicide can be used but with strict adherence to label instructions and ideal application temperature.
Did You Know?
1. Creeping Charlie, also known as Glechoma hederacea, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family.
2. Unlike its name suggests, Creeping Charlie is neither related to the marijuana plant nor does it possess any psychoactive properties.
3. Creeping Charlie was introduced to North America by early European settlers, who valued it for its medicinal properties and as a ground cover.
4. In some parts of the world, Creeping Charlie is considered an invasive species and can quickly overtake lawns and gardens if not properly managed.
5. Despite being regarded as a weed by many, Creeping Charlie has actually been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, with applications ranging from respiratory ailments to minor skin irritations.
Introduction And Description Of Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie (scientifically known as Glechoma hederacea) is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. It is also referred to as Ground ivy, Gill-on-the-ground, and Creeping Jenny. Originally native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America. This plant is characterized by its creeping stems and seeds, which allow it to rapidly spread and take over large areas. Its bright green leaves are round or kidney-shaped with scalloped edges. In the spring, it produces bluish-purple flowers. When crushed, its leaves emit a pleasant mint-like odor.
Creeping Charlie is well adapted to thrive in moist, shady areas, which makes it a common invader of lawns, gardens, and landscapes. Its ability to grow in shaded areas, combined with its aggressive spreading habit, makes it a challenging weed to control. However, there are several methods available to minimize its impact and prevent further infestation:
- Regular mowing: Keeping the grass height at an appropriate level can restrict the growth of Creeping Charlie, as it prefers low-lying areas.
- Hand pulling: Removing the plant manually, including its roots, can help control its spread in small areas.
- Mulching: Applying organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, can smother Creeping Charlie and prevent it from establishing itself.
- Herbicides: Selective herbicides designed specifically for broadleaf weeds can be used to target Creeping Charlie while sparing desirable plants.
- Improving lawn health: Maintaining a healthy lawn through proper watering, fertilization, and aeration can reduce the chances of Creeping Charlie taking hold.
With proper management and a proactive approach, it is possible to minimize the impact of Creeping Charlie and prevent its further infestation.
“Creeping Charlie, a herbaceous perennial plant also known as Glechoma hederacea, is a common invader of lawns, gardens, and landscapes. It has creeping stems and seeds that allow it to rapidly spread in shaded areas. To control its growth, techniques such as regular mowing, hand pulling, mulching, and selective herbicide use can be employed. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lawn can help prevent its infestation.”
Control Methods For Creeping Charlie
Controlling Creeping Charlie requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the factors promoting its growth. Here are some strategies to consider:
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Improve soil drainage: In areas where the weed is prevalent, it is essential to enhance water flow and prevent waterlogging. This can be achieved by creating channels or using soil amendments.
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Reduce watering: By reducing watering in affected areas, you can create a less favorable environment for Creeping Charlie to thrive.
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Increase light levels: Aiding in the control of Creeping Charlie, increasing light levels in shady areas is crucial. You can accomplish this by pruning trees or removing overhanging branches, allowing more sunlight to reach the ground.
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Select shade-tolerant turfgrass varieties: When dealing with Creeping Charlie in your lawn, selecting shade-tolerant turfgrass varieties can help create a dense, competitive lawn. This will restrict the growth and spread of the weed.
In vegetable or flower gardens, manual removal of Creeping Charlie can be effective, especially in the early stages of infestation. However, in heavily infested areas, complete eradication can be challenging as the plant can regrow from even the tiniest stem fragments left behind. Therefore, a combination of manual removal and other control methods may be necessary to achieve long-term success.
- Improve soil drainage
- Reduce watering
- Increase light levels
- Select shade-tolerant turfgrass varieties
Herbicides For Creeping Charlie Control
When manual control methods are insufficient, applying herbicides can be an effective way to manage Creeping Charlie infestations. Postemergence broadleaf herbicides containing triclopyr have shown to be particularly effective against this weed. These herbicides selectively target broadleaf plants while minimizing damage to grasses. However, it is important to note that triclopyr-based herbicides cannot be used in vegetable or flower gardens.
To ensure safe and effective use, it is crucial to carefully follow the label instructions of the selected herbicide. The ideal temperature for herbicide application is in the mid-60s to low 80s, with no rain expected for at least 24 hours and little wind to prevent herbicide drift. It is advisable to avoid mowing before and after herbicide treatment to allow the weed to absorb the herbicide fully.
Common herbicides used for Creeping Charlie control include dicamba, triclopyr, MCPP, 2,4-D, and 2,4-DP. However, it is important to note that dicamba should not be used more than twice per year to minimize the risk of herbicide resistance development.
- Postemergence broadleaf herbicides containing triclopyr are effective against Creeping Charlie.
- Triclopyr-based herbicides cannot be used in vegetable or flower gardens.
- Follow label instructions for safe and effective herbicide use.
- Apply herbicides in the mid-60s to low 80s temperature range without rain expected for at least 24 hours and minimal wind to avoid drift.
- Avoid mowing before and after herbicide treatment to allow full absorption.
- Dicamba should be used no more than twice per year to minimize resistance development.
Organic Control Methods For Creeping Charlie
For those who prefer organic control methods, the use of borax as a control measure is not recommended for Creeping Charlie. While borax has been suggested as an organic solution, it does not provide long-term control and can harm turf and other plants. Instead, alternative organic methods should be considered.
One approach is to manually remove Creeping Charlie by hand or using a digging tool in vegetable or flower gardens. It is crucial to ensure the complete removal of all plant parts to prevent regrowth. However, manual removal is generally not practical for large infestations.
Another organic option is the use of glyphosate herbicide, which kills all vegetation. This method involves applying the herbicide to the affected area, allowing the Creeping Charlie to die off, and then reseeding the treated area with desired plants or grass. As with any herbicide, carefully read and follow the label instructions for safe and effective use.
Guidelines For Herbicide Use And Application
To ensure the effectiveness of herbicide applications and minimize risks, specific guidelines should be followed.
- The optimal temperature for herbicide application is within the recommended range stated on the label.
- Typically, mid to late autumn is considered an active growth period for Creeping Charlie, making it an ideal time for herbicide application. A second fall application may be necessary for more persistent infestations.
Spring applications should coincide with the blooming period of Creeping Charlie, which occurs between April and June. Applying herbicides during this time helps target the weed at its most vulnerable stage. Again, carefully read and follow the label instructions for the selected herbicide to ensure proper use and application rates.
Finally, it is important to note that herbicides should not be used on windy days to prevent unintended drift onto desired plants. Additionally, mowing should be avoided before and after herbicide treatment to allow for optimal absorption of the herbicide by the weed.
By following these guidelines, the control of Creeping Charlie can be effectively managed, reducing its impact on lawns, gardens, and landscapes.
- Avoid herbicide application on windy days
- Avoid mowing before and after herbicide treatment to allow for optimal absorption.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is creeping Charlie good or bad?
Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, serves as a versatile plant with both positive and negative attributes. While it can be considered beneficial in terms of erosion control, its invasiveness and ability to overtake other plants make it a potential nuisance in many situations. As it thrives in shady areas and poor soil conditions, it possesses the ability to stabilize soil and prevent washouts, making it a useful tool for erosion control efforts. However, it is important to carefully manage and monitor its growth to prevent it from becoming an invasive species and encroaching on other desirable plants.
What is creeping Charlie also known as?
Creeping Charlie, otherwise known as ground ivy, is a species that was brought to North America from Europe by early settlers. Originally intended for use as a shade groundcover, it has since been recognized by various names such as gill-on-the-ground and creeping Jenny. Interestingly, a variegated variety of the plant is commonly employed in hanging baskets, showcasing its adaptability and versatility.
What kills creeping Charlie?
One effective method to eliminate creeping Charlie is by using a postemergence broadleaf herbicide. These herbicides are specifically designed to target and control this invasive plant species. Homeowners can opt for weed killers that contain salt of dicamba or triclopyr, as these ingredients have been proven to effectively eradicate creeping Charlie. It is crucial to carefully follow the instructions stated on the product label in order to ensure safe and efficient usage of the herbicide.
Is creeping Charlie poisonous?
Creeping Charlie, also known as ground-ivy, is generally not considered to be poisonous. Poisoning from this plant is rare because animals, including horses, typically dislike the bitter taste of the plant. Horses may only be affected if they consume large quantities of the plant, either when it is green or dried in hay. Therefore, while it is important to monitor the intake of creeping Charlie, it is not typically a cause for concern in terms of poisoning.