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Ground Ivy
•Scalloped, round leaves up to an inch in diameter.
•Ground ivy has square stems.
•Leaves grow in pairs positioned opposite each other on the stem.
•Grows in shade and full sun.
•Can be difficult to control.
(Photo used with permission: flowers.vg)
Weed Identification
Ground ivy, sometimes called ``Creeping Charlie``

is a perennial weed that can grow very quickly in thin turf.
It was once planted as a shade ground cover, but because of its aggressive nature,
is now considered a pest. Ground ivy spreads by above ground, laterally growing stems,
called stolons. These stolons can outpace the growth of turfgrass.
This is especially true in shaded areas. However, in lawns with thin turf,
ground ivy will grow equally well in both shade or full sun.
For positive weed identification, look for leaves growing on a long petiole,
positioned opposite each other on square stems. In the spring you can see small blue flowers
in the shape of a funnel which will help with weed identification.
Ground ivy is similar in appearance and sometimes mistaken for another lawn weed called “common mallow”.
Cultural Practices
Ground ivy is difficult to remove without the use of herbicides.
Unless the entire runner is removed, it will re-establish. The runners root at the nodes,
so if you break the runner at any point, it will continue to grow. If your neighbors have
it in their yard, it will only be a matter of time before it spreads into yours.
If possible, encourage your neighbors to begin controlling it.
Herbicide Use
Many herbicides are labeled for ground ivy. It will generally need several applications
spaced approximately 4 weeks apart for best control. Ground ivy behaves as a cool season perennial,
so the best time to spray is when it is actively growing in the spring and fall.
Persistence is the key.
Use products containing Dicamba plus 2,4-D or triple herbicide products.
If your neighbors are unwilling to work with you in controlling this pest,
then a barrier may be needed to keep it out of your yard.
`
And Happy Belated ( Sept 23rd ) Birthday
to You Liz !
``
morrisdancer is over their Private Topic limit
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