How to identify and deal with creeping charlie
 (Read 100+ times)
By Jared Garrett
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Unless you live in the Rocky Mountains, and have lived there your whole life, you may have seen some creeping charlie invading your lawn. What is this stuff? You might have asked. Is it a weed? How do I get rid of it? For answers, keep reading.
WHAT IT IS
Creeping Charlie is the most common lay-term for Glechoma Hederacea. Another commonly used term for this interesting plant is ground ivy. It usually has dark green leaves, but has been known to have a purple hue as well. Also, it can grow to up to two feet tall, but is usually stubbier. Like all ivy, this is a tough plant that will go nuts if left to grow and spread.
A WEED?
Many folks today are dead certain that old creeping charlie is a weed, and this is because most landscapers consider it so. But the fact is that ground ivy was intentionally brought over from Europe and it has a long, illustrious history. First off, since ancient times in Greece and Rome, people have considered creeping charlie medicinal. Some things it has been used for: inflamed eyes, ringing in the ears (take note all concert goers), and diahrrea. Furthermore, some people used to use this stuf as a tonic and an astringent. And finally, it has been said that creepnig charlie can be used for indigestion and kidney disease.
I am not advocating zipping outside and harvesting your creeping charlie and chewing on leaves! You always want to consult a doctor, a nutritionist and even an herbalist before using this stuff for your own health.
Another interesting use of creeping charlie over the years has been.. wait for it.. to clarify beer! That's right, it has been used to make your ale clearer for years. So don't blithely call this plant a weed!
Unless you can't stand the stuff and want an untarnished, lush lawn.
GETTING RID OF IT
Creeping charlie is pretty tenacious stuff. I would almost never advocate using an herbicide on any part of your lawn, so here's what I suggest you do to get rid of creeping charlie. Get a shovel and dig it out. That's right. This will leave a bare patch of lawn, but it will be free of the ground ivy an its roots, and you can always re-seed your grass.
Next weed please?
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Author Bio Box: Jared Garrett
 http://www.helium.com/user/show/45690
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