The grass is green and ready for mowingare your mower blades sharpened and ready for the task? When mowing, examine your lawn for the invasive predator of lawns and flowerbeds creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy or the Latin name of Glechoma hederacea.

What can you do to avoid a sea of bluish purple flowers in your lawn? According to Richard Jauron, ISU Horticulture, ground ivy spreads by seed and the vining stems called stolons, which root at their nodes. . Stems are four-sided, as are many other invasive members of mint family as well. Ground ivy thrives in damp, shady areas, but also grows well in sunny locations.

Due to favorable growing conditions this past year, ground ivy is especially noticeable this spring. The best way to control ground ivy in flower and vegetable gardens is by hand pulling and hoeing. Persistence is key to effective control of ground ivy in gardens. Repeatedly pull and hoe the ground ivy, and be sure to remove the plant pieces to prevent it from rooting, until it has been eliminated. If not completely destroyed, surviving pieces will continue to grow and spread.

Fall is the best time for a chemical attack on this intrusive invader, as spring applications are ineffective. The most effective broadleaf herbicide products are those that contain one or more of the following chemicals: 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba, or triclopyr. The best time to apply is in late September through early November for best control and usually two applications are needed. A first application should be made in late September/early October, followed by a second treatment about a month later. Be certain as when using any pesticide, to carefully read and follow label directions.

Control of ground ivy in lawns is difficult. But once the ground ivy has been controlled, following practices of proper mowing and fertilization will help to establish a thick, healthy lawn. Having a heathy lawn will help to discourage future invasions of creeping Charlie.

Did you know? Ground ivy was first introduced to the U.S. from Europe as a popular hanging basket and ground cover plant. The plant soon became a pest because of its invasive spreading habit.

Gardening Questions? Contact McCormick at yvonne@iastate.edu for information or advice.