Ground Ivy: What It Is and Why It Keeps Coming Back

One weed that continually frustrates homeowners is ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea). This aggressive, fast-moving weed is a common headache for homeowners because it loves to creep into open or thinning areas of turf and can quickly take over if left unmanaged. Once established, it forms dense patches that crowd out healthy grass and disrupt the look of an otherwise well-kept lawn.

How Ground Ivy Grows

Ground ivy is a low-growing perennial, which means it survives year after year. Instead of relying solely on seeds, it spreads primarily through above-ground stems called stolons. These stolons creep horizontally across the soil surface, rooting at multiple points and producing new plants as they go. This makes ground ivy particularly difficult to control—pulling up the visible part of the plant is rarely enough to eliminate the entire network.

The weed thrives in moist, partially shaded areas, but it can also grow in full sun if the soil stays damp. Its preference for weaker turf areas makes it especially problematic in lawns with compacted soil, inadequate drainage, or thin grass coverage.

Identifying Ground Ivy

Ground ivy is best identified by its distinct physical characteristics:

• Long, creeping stems that root where they touch the soil
• Round or kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges
• A minty aroma when leaves are crushed (it’s part of the mint family)
• Clusters of small, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in spring

These features make ground ivy fairly easy to identify once it matures. However, younger plants can be trickier.

Common Look-Alikes: Purple Deadnettle and Henbit

Ground ivy is often confused with two other weeds common in our region—purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) and henbit (Lamium amplexicaule). Misidentification happens most frequently early in the season, before each plant’s unique characteristics are fully visible.

A few differences to look for:

• Leaf shape: Ground ivy has rounder, more scalloped leaves. Purple deadnettle and henbit have more triangular or deeply veined leaves.
• Flower color: Ground ivy flowers typically appear more lavender-blue, while the Lamium species produce pinkish-purple flowers.
• Growth habit: Ground ivy spreads outward along the ground, while purple deadnettle and henbit tend to grow more upright.

Correct identification is important because each weed responds differently to herbicide timing and cultural practices.


Ground ivy leaves are rounded with scalloped edges. | Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of Ground Ivy?

Because of its perennial nature and extensive stolon system, eliminating ground ivy often requires multiple treatments over more than one growing season. A single application is almost never enough.

For best results, we recommend:

• At least two weed control applications in spring
• Two additional applications in the fall
• Optional mid-summer treatments, as long as the lawn isn’t under drought stress

Consistent follow-up is key. Even when the visible growth dies back, surviving stolons may continue to regenerate new plants.

The Bottom Line

Ground ivy is persistent, but with proper identification, repeated treatments, and good lawn-care practices, it can be controlled. If you find ground ivy in your lawn, early intervention is the best way to prevent it from spreading and to keep your turf thick, healthy, and attractive all season long.