How to control Creeping Charlie: Stop this invasive weed fast

Most homeowners desire a healthy, green lawn, however, Creeping Charlie is a prevalent issue that can spoil its aesthetics. Also known as ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), this quickly-growing weed blankets lawns, gardens and flower beds. It grows in thick mats, smothers grass and is resistant to many common weed control methods.

Creeping Charlie propagates by both seeds and creeping stems and it can’t be stopped (or removed). It flourishes in shady, wet areas and can tolerate regular mowing. It often cannot be eradicated by simple lawn care routines. Over time, it can spread through large areas of grass, leaving behind bald spots and decreasing the health of the lawn as a whole.

Growcycle carries all sorts of agricultural products, including lawn and garden care products for weeds like Creeping Charlie.

Understanding Creeping Charlie

Creeping Charlie is a low-growing, invasive weed that grows across lawns, gardens and shady areas. It is a member of the mint family with small, round, scalloped-edge leaves that smell like mint when crushed. In the spring and early summer, it blooms with small purple flowers that draw pollinators and increase its rapid spread.

History and Origins

Creeping Charlie, which is native to Europe and Asia, was brought to North America and used as a ground cover because it would grow in tough conditions. Over the years though, it turned into an invasive weed, because of its rapid growth and spread. It flourishes in shady, moist areas, which is why it’s found in homes, parks and gardens where grass refuses to grow.

Biological Characteristics

Creeping Charlie propagates in two main ways:

1. Seeds: It produces tiny seeds which can be transported by the wind, water or animals.
2. Creeping Stems (Stolons): They creep along the dirt, sending out runners and establishing new roots and plants, enabling them to grow rapidly and cover large areas.

This weed is extremely difficult to eliminate because even the smallest piece of stem left in the soil can grow into a new plant. Its resistance to mowing and many typical weed-killers puts it among the most stubborn lawn invaders.

Impact on Lawns

If not controlled, Creeping Charlie can cause significant damage to a lawn:

• Chokes out grass: It grows in dense mats that shade and suffocate grass.
• Creates bare spots: When it takes over, it leaves dead patches and makes lawns look patchy.
• Competes for nutrients: It takes in water and nutrients, leaving less for the grass and other plants.
• Hard to kill: Standard mowing and pulling may not be enough and stronger control methods may be necessary.

How to Identify Creeping Charlie

Identifying Creeping Charlie is the first step in managing its spread. However, once homeowners know what to look for, this invasive weed is easy to identify.

Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: Creeping Charlie has small, round to kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. The leaves are bright green and arranged in an alternating design on square-stemmed stems.
• Flowers: It bears small, tubular-shaped flowers in spring and early summer that are purple-blue. The flowers are borne in clusters along the stem.
• Stems: In this stage, the stems are creeping and square. They are low, runners (stolons) shoot up at the nodes that root down to create more plants.
• Texture & Smell: Rub the leaves between the fingers, and a minty scent is released which is an important characteristic of mint family plants.

Seasonal Changes & Growth Habits

• Spring & Summer: Creeping Charlie actively grows and spreads, blooming from early to mid-spring.
• Fall: Growth is in decline, but the plant is still green, and propagates through runners.
• Winter: It remains green all year in mild climates. In cooler climates, it may go dormant but emerge back in early spring.
• Sun & Shade: Benefits in a shady, wet area, although it can tolerate some sun.

Differentiating from Similar Weeds

Creeping Charlie can often be mistaken for other groundcover plants, but here is how to tell the difference: 

Assessing Infestation Levels

The extent to which Creeping Charlie has spread plays a role in determining the proper removal method.

Signs of a Minor Infestation

• Small patches, usually on shady sides or borders of gardens.
• A few runners are showing, but the grass is still growing between the runners.
• Make the effort to remove them manually.

Signs of a Severe Infestation

• The lawn is thickly matted with Creeping Charlie over large areas.
• Grass has difficulty in growing, resulting in thin or bare areas.
• Runners spill onto walkways, flower beds and other landscaped areas.
• It is likely that herbicide or multiple removal methods are needed.

Tools and Methods for an Accurate Assessment

• Visual Inspection: Walk through the lawn and inspect shady, moist places where Creeping Charlie loves to grow.
• Hand Pull Test: Pull up on a portion. If it doesn’t push back and cracked open smoothly, the infestation is more established.
• Lawn Thickness Test: Check for bald patches or signs of Creeping Charlie.

Manual Removal Techniques

One of the easiest methods for controlling Creeping Charlie is to pull it out of the lawn by hand. But if this weed does, spread through creeping stems (stolons) and roots, it takes more attention to remove to prevent regrowing. Following is the step by step procedure for ripping by hand:

1. Lightly water over the section to be pulled allowing the soil to be looser to work.
2. Find the primary serpentine stems that vine on the perimeter of the soil.
3. Seize the plant close to the roots and pull gently to remove as much of the root system as possible.
4. If roots are left in the soil, use a weeding fork, hand rake or dandelion weeder to loosen and remove them.
5. When people remove Creeping Charlie, either place all removed Creeping Charlie in a bag and discard. Do not compost, since pieces can regrow.
6. Monitor the treated spots in the coming weeks and cut back any new growth before it proliferates.

Mechanical Control Methods

Larger infestations are better tackled with specialized garden tools.

Common Tools for Removing Creeping Charlie

• Weed Extractors: Tools such as a weed puller or claw weeder can grasp the root and pull out entire plants.
• Garden Forks: A hand fork or pitchfork can help loosen soil so people can pull out the roots.
• Rolling Weed Pullers: Stand-up weed pullers allow someone to get weeds out without bending over, saving their back.
• String Trimmers or Mowers: This is not a removal method, but as mentioned, trimming before treatment can make herbicide applications more effective.

When and How to Use These Tools

• For Small Patches: Remove roots by hand with a hand weeder or garden fork.
• For Medium Infestations: A rolling weed puller or claw weeder may cover larger areas more effectively.
• For Dense Growth: A string trimmer can trim back overgrowth before applying additional treatments.

Chemical Control Options

For those who find hand pulling Charlie is not enough, chemical herbicides can be beneficial in controlling Creeping Charlie. However, choosing the proper herbicide and using it correctly is key to not damaging grass, other plants nearby or the environment. Herbicides to kill Creeping Charlie fall into 2 categories:

1. Selective Herbicides (Recommended for Lawns)

These herbicides will kill broadleaf weeds like Creeping Charlie but will not harm grass.

Active Ingredients

• Triclopyr: One of the more potent ones. This is common to find in a combo formula with 2,4-D or Dicamba.
• 2,4-D & Dicamba: Often found in lawn-safe weed killers, may need to be applied repeatedly.

Best Time to Apply

• Fall (September–November): Most interesting as the plant gathers food in its roots.
• Spring (March–May): May help sap the plant strength before it grows more.

2. Non-Selective Herbicides (For Spot Treatment Only)

These herbicides kill all plants they contact, including grass. They should only be used as spot treatments for garden beds in places like patios, spaces where Creeping Charlie has taken over.

Active Ingredients

• Glyphosate: An ingredient in products such as Roundup; highly effective but will kill nearby grass.

Best Use

• Only in areas heavily infested with plans for replanting
• Vigorously avoid killing other plants.

Application Techniques and Safety

Making sure that herbicides are applied correctly not only ensures they work most effectively but also minimizes harm to nearby flora and fauna.

1. For best results, apply on a dry, calm day (no rain for at least 24–48 hours) with temperatures in the 60–75°F (15–24°C) range.
2. Mow the area several days before treatment but do not mow too low. This allows absorption to improve.
3. If using a concentrate, read the label for proper dilution.
4. Use a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer to coat the leaves. Do not overspray on adjacent grass or greenery.
5. Do not water the lawn for 24–48 hours following application allowing time for absorption.
6. Other infestations need a follow-up treatment in 2–4 weeks.

Organic and Natural Remedies

If anyone dislike chemical solutions, then organic and natural methods are an alternative way to manage the Creeping Charlie. These methods may take patience and several applications, but they usually are safer for pets, kids and the environment.

1. Vinegar Solution (Acid-Based Control)

The vinegar’s acetic acid burns the leaves, eventually wilting the plant.

• For maximum power, Use horticultural vinegar (20% acetic acid). Household vinegar is only 5% acetic acid and less effective.
• Put vinegar into a spray bottle and spray on leaves in a direct way on a sunny warm dry day.
• Don’t spray grass; vinegar kills any plant it touches.
• Continue every few days until the plant shows signs of weakening.

Effectiveness: More effective on small patches but will not reach the roots, necessitating several applications.

2. Boiling Water (Heat-Based Control)

Burns and kills the plant’s tissues.

• Pour boiling water directly from a kettle onto Creeping Charlie patches.
• Best for areas where grass isn’t an issue (such as cracks in sidewalk or garden beds).
• Can take multiple treatments to penetrate deeper roots.

Effectiveness: Useful in confined, smaller areas; impractical for large infestations.

3. Smothering with Mulch or Newspaper

Creeping Charlie grows in light. Smothering it under a thick layer of mulch, cardboard or newspaper can deprive it of sunlight, killing the plant.

• Add 2–4 inches of mulch to the area.
• Using newspaper or cardboard, wet it down first to hold it in place.
• Keep the covering on for a few weeks to completely eliminate the weed.

Effectiveness: Good for use on garden beds or flower beds, not workable on lawns.

Preventing Future Infestations

Keeping Creeping Charlie from returning means getting proactive. A healthy lawn is the best defense against this weed. To prevent Creeping Charlie from returning, homeowners must follow appropriate lawn care, soil health standards, and identify the invasion early.

Lawn Care and Maintenance

Weeds are naturally crowded out in a thick, healthy lawn through a limited amount of available space, sunlight, and nutrients. These lawn care measures make it more difficult for Creeping Charlie to return:

• Maintaining the turf grass at a height of 3 – 4 inches will shade out weeds. Open, short grass allows more sunshine, which helps Creeping Charlie to grow.
• A clean cut encourages healthy grass growth while preventing unnecessary stress.
• When left to mulch, clippings recycle nutrients and contribute to a dense lawn.
• One deep soaking (1 inch a week) promotes deep grass roots that hinder weeds from competing.
• If growers water early, less moisture is retained, which is what Creeping Charlie likes.
• In spring and fall, apply a balanced fertilizer (containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium).
• Slow-Release fertilizers release nutrients slowly, preventing too many growth spurts that are friendly to weeds.

Soil Health and Preparation

Creeping Charlie thrives in compacted, nutrient-poor, and poorly drained soil. Improving soil conditions discourages its growth.

• Creeping Charlie flourishes in compacted, nutrient-poor, poorly drained soil. Better soil conditions prevent its growth.
• Aerating with a core aerator in the fall or spring increases airflow to the soil, reduces compaction and strengthens grass roots.
• Loose, healthy soil makes it more difficult for Creeping Charlie to propagate via stolons (creeping stems).
• In early fall or spring, using grass varieties suited to the region.

• Sowing appropriate local grass types about the start of autumn or spring.
• Addressing low spots and compacted soil for moisture reduction
• Incorporate organic matter (compost) to enhance soil structure.
• For areas that stay wet for extended periods of time, add a drainage solution such as a French drain or dry creek bed.

FAQs

Why is Creeping Charlie so difficult to control?

Creeping Charlie is an aggressive spreader both via seed and via stolons. It grows best in shady, damp spots and is almost impossible to mow or kill with common weed controls. Even small pieces remaining in the soil can sprout into new plants.

What does Creeping Charlie look like?

It has little kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges, square stems, strong peppermint smell when crushed. It bears tiny purple flowers in spring and early summer.

Does mowing help control Creeping Charlie?

No, only mowing is not enough because Creeping Charlie grows low on the ground and spreads by creeping stems. However, treating a freshly mowed area can increase herbicide uptake.

The Bottom Line

Creeping Charlie is a hardy weed that spreads rapidly and can overtake lawns and gardens if left unchecked. It spreads aggressively through its seeds and creeping stems, making it difficult to get rid of with basic yard maintenance. But if it’s caught early and treated with the right removal methods, homeowners can eliminate it and prevent its return.

Hand-pulling, garden tools, herbicides, or other natural solutions can all help, but regular lawn care is the best way to keep it off. Growcycle has the products to help get rid of Creeping Charlie and other lawn weeds, ensuring the lawn stays green and healthy year-round.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.