Description
Ground ivy is a creeping perennial weed that spreads rapidly through stolons (above-ground runners). It forms a dense mat that can smother turfgrass. Its rounded, scalloped dark green leaves are accompanied by small purple flowers in the spring.
Family: Lamiaceae
Type: Broadleaf perennial plant
Appearance Season: Spring to fall
Causes
Ground ivy thrives in moist, shaded, and poorly drained areas. It also spreads readily in thin or weakened lawns, particularly those affected by insects or diseases, where there is little competition from healthy turf.
Prevention
- Maintain a dense and healthy lawn to limit its spread.
- Ensure proper fertilization to strengthen the lawn’s vigor.
- Improve drainage and avoid excess moisture.
- Raise the soil pH with a lime application.
Control
- Manually pull out the plants, removing the stolons to help prevent regrowth.
- Overseed damaged areas if necessary.
- Aerate the soil to improve growing conditions for the lawn.