Glechoma hederacea
broadleaf weedUSDA zones 2–9Active: spring, summer, fallAggressive perennial that spreads by stolons, forming dense mats in shady, moist areas. Extremely difficult to eradicate once established.
Round to kidney-shaped scalloped leaves; square stems; small blue-violet funnel-shaped flowers; strong minty odor when crushed.
Creeping Charlie thrives in shade. Prune tree branches to increase light reaching turf.
When: Prune in late winter; assess shade annually
Remove all stems and stolons. Bag clippings as fragments can root. Very labor-intensive for large patches.
When: Best in spring when soil is moist
Borax solution can suppress creeping Charlie but excess kills turf. Use very carefully with precise measurements.
When: Apply in spring when actively growing; do not repeat more than 2 years
Most effective chemical for creeping Charlie. Systemic action kills stolons and roots. May need 2 applications.
When: Apply in fall when plant is translocating sugars to roots; repeat in 2-3 weeks
Active ingredient: Triclopyr — e.g. Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed Killer, T-Zone
Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.
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