Identify unk ground cover plant - Creeping Charlie

Feb 20, 2013 13:29:59

Hello fellow permies,

I am trying to identify this unknown ground cover plant. The plant was here from a previous home owner (native? unlikely). It does well in the spring but then desiccates by the end of summer. Full size leaves are about the size of a dime. Little purple flowers in very early spring (February, 20 to 50 F, zone 7a, high desert). Please see picture below:

I appreciate any help in identification.

Thanks in advance!

Feb 20, 2013 13:39:29

Wow, I think I found the plant ID.

Creeping Charlie, AKA Ground Ivy, or Glechoma hederacea.

Does anyone use this in their permaculture setup?

Thanks

Feb 20, 2013 15:37:34

I can''t say that I use them in my setup but they are certainly there as a volunteer species. Plants for a Future has a page on them.

Jul 21, 2025 11:08:47

There is a look-alike. Crush the leaves. If it has no smell, it isn't ground ivy. If it has a strong smell, it probably is.

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