The Creeping Charlie (also known as ground ivy) is a perennial weed that thrives in shaded, moist soils - although it is also known to survive in the presence of some sunlight. It reproduces through scattered seeds and creeping stems that develop roots at the nodes. Because of its mode of reproduction, the Creeping Charlie is a very persistent weed that is difficult to get rid of in its entirety.
Ground Ivy
It is fairly easy to identify the Creeping Charlie. It has round leaves that are roughly half an inch (0.5 in.) to an inch and a half (1.5 in.) in diameter. The leaves are usually of a dark green or purplish color, with round-tooth edges. The leaves may even contain hairs. It has an almost square-shaped stem that can grow from a few inches to two feet. The Creeping Charlie also has bluish-purple flowers that are shaped like funnels.
You can prevent the growth of Creeping Charlie by using proper mowing techniques and by applying fertilizer 3 to 4 times each year. Once you've spotted Creeping Charlie on your lawn, you can apply a herbicide that contains triclopyr or glyphosate. You should apply the herbicide once Creeping Charlie's flowers appear. This usually happens in the fall or during spring.
Borax is also used to control Creeping Charlie. A small amount of borax won't be able to damage other plants on your lawn because Creeping Charlie is much more sensitive to borax than typical grass and lawn plants. You can create your own borax solution by dissolving 8 ounces of borax in 4 ounces of water. Then dilute the solution in 2.5 gallons of water. You can spray this solution evenly over 1000 square feet of lawn - no more, no less. Be sure to follow these instructions, because too much borax can prevent desirable plants from thriving in your lawn.
