Ground Ivy

Description: It is s scrambling herbaceous plant. The name is confusing....IT IS NOT IVY. The stems are square. ALL MINTS HAVE SQUARE STEMS!!!. The leaves grow opposite from each other. The leaves are broad-kidney-shaped with scalloped edges. The plant spreads along the ground and also by depositing its seeds. The small purple /violet flowers are tubular.

Edible Parts: The leaves are edible fresh but are better used as tea. The crushed leaves have a very powerful medicinal aroma.

Notes: This plant was historically valued as potent medicine and as an additive in an ale production before hops were used regularly. Ground Ivy was used for any problem with the ear, nose, throat, or digestive system. However, reportedly toxic to horses and cattle.

The Europeans brought this plant with them wherever they emigrated.

I have noticed this plant in almost every landscape I've visited in the Midwest.

This plant is very hard to control and or kill. Pulling it by hand does very little to control it. When I was a child, before I knew this plant's name, my father would take me to his works friend's house to swim in their above-ground swimming pool. The chlorinated water that splashed out killed most of the vegetation around the pool. EXCEPT for this plant. We would walk through it, causing it to release its very potent unforgettable aroma. Once you taste and or smell this plant you will always know this plant.

Flowers are important to US native bee populations.

Contributor:

JRH