GROUND IVY, Glechoma
hederacea L. 1, vegetative growth of stems and leaves; 2,
flower section; 3, seeds. Perennial, with shallow roots,
spreading by seeds and by creeping stems. Stems 15 to 30 inches
(38 to 75 cm) long, prostrate, 4-sided, rooting at the nodes. Leaves
almost round or kidney-shaped, with round-toothed edges, bright green,
1/2 to 1 1/2 inches (13 to 39 mm) in diameter, hairy, opposite, borne on
long petioles, with a minty odor. Flowers small, bluish-purple,
funnel-shaped but 2-lipped, borne in small clusters in the axils of the
leaves. Seeds rough, dark brown, in groups of 4, flat on 2 sides
and round on the third side, with a white scar at tip. Found in
lawns, orchards, and waste places, especially shady areas with damp, rich
soil. Also commonly known as creeping charlie.