Ground Ivy, Glechoma hederacea, is another of my favourite flowers of spring and early summer (April to July). It is a widely distributed native in the British Isles (see map) and is also native in other parts of Europe and southwest Asia. It has been introduced into the United States, where it is now widespread (see map) and considered to be an invasive weed in some states.

Ground Ivy, Glechoma hederacea

Ground Ivy isn’t related to true Ivy (Hedera helix), but it trails along the ground in a similar way, albeit on a much smaller scale. A perennial member of the family Lamiaceae, which includes herbs such as Mint, Marjoram and Thyme, Ground Ivy has the square stems and pairs of round, blunt toothed leaves that are characteristic of many members of the family. The leaves are slightly aromatic and in full sun they are sometimes tinged with red. The flowers have three lower and two upper petals and are a pretty shade of blue/violet, often with darker blue or mauve blotches. The flowers are popular with bumblebees.

Ground Ivy is just one English name. Others include Alehoof, Gill-over-the-ground, Gill-go-by-the-Hedge, Creeping Charlie, Haymaids, Tun-hoof, Hedgemaids, Lizzy-run-up-the-Hedge, Catsfoot and Robin-run-in-the-Hedge. The name Alehoof was given because Ground Ivy used to be the most common flavouring in beer (before hops were used, from the 16th century onwards). Most of the other names refer to the plant’s low, spreading habit as it grows in wooded places and hedgerows.

Ground Ivy is reported to have several medicinal properties and these are described on a number of websites, including Plants for a Future, A Modern Herbal, Rowan Remedies, and Health from Nature, including treatments of headaches, inflamed mucous membranes, bruises, ear infections and kidney disease. The Sigma Aldrich website refers to several interesting pieces of research which suggest that Ground Ivy has antibacterial and insecticidal properties and can stimulate platelets, inhibit tumour production and boost the immune response. Ground Ivy is poisonous to horses and is avoided by rabbits (reference).

Ground Ivy leaves are rather bitter but are edible when young. They can added to salads for a slight aromatic tang or cooked like spinach, added to soups or used as a flavouring. I have nibbled the young  leaves and found them quite palatable but I haven’t eaten them in any quantity or in any recipe.

There is also a variegated form of Ground Ivy, Glechoma hederacea ‘Variegata’, which is often grown as a low-maintenance plant for hanging baskets.