Ground Ivy

Also known as "creeping charlie," this perennial weed prefers shady areas with damp, rich soil. It spreads by seeds and creeping stems, which root readily at the nodes. You can identify ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) by its four-sided hairy stems, toothed, kidney-shaped leaves, and clusters of bluish to purplish flowers in the leaf axils or at the ends of the stems.

Control: Handpulling or hoeing is a simple practical approach for small areas. Large areas can be hoed and then mulched with several sheets of newspaper topped by a two- to three-inch layer of mulch. Improve the health and density of the lawn by fertilizing at the right time and with the correct amount; maintaining an appropriate soil pH; mowing at the recommended height; and watering properly. Herbicides are available depending on the kind of turfgrass in your lawn and the kinds of ornamentals in your landscape.