groundivy

Groundivy, scientifically known as Glechoma hederacea, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia but has become widely naturalized in many other regions, including North America, where it is often considered an invasive weed. The plant is characterized by its creeping, square stems that root at the nodes, allowing it to spread effectively across the ground.

Leaves of groundivy are typically kidney-shaped to round with scalloped or toothed edges, and they grow in opposite pairs along the stem. The plant produces small, funnel-shaped flowers, usually pale blue to lilac, which appear in spring and early summer. Groundivy is known for its distinctive, somewhat pungent aroma when crushed, a characteristic shared with other members of the mint family.

It thrives in a variety of habitats, commonly found in lawns, gardens, woodlands, and disturbed areas. Its aggressive growth habit allows it to outcompete many other plants for light, water, and nutrients, making it a challenge to control in managed landscapes. Despite its weed status, groundivy has been used historically in traditional medicine and as a culinary herb, though these uses are not widespread today. The plant's ability to spread rapidly by both runners and seeds contributes to its persistent presence in many ecosystems.