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.