Ground Ivy

Glechoma hederacea

NL: Hondsdraf - F: Lierre terrestre


This delicate climbing plant makes for a great perennial soil cover. Its young leaves come up very early in the year and can be consumed raw, as in green juices and salads, or cooked, in soups, sauces, spreads, etc.

It has widespread medicinal use such as general tonic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, pectoral and vermifuge. It helps reduce fever and it has been used for many centuries to treat problems involving the mucous membranes of the ear, nose, throat and digestive system. It is thus a great aid in the treatment of sinusitis.

Traditionally it is also known for treating hypersensitivity in children.

Externally it can be pressed into juice and used to help healing wounds and bruises.

Leaves can grow large in the shade

But they can also be very tiny when growing in grassfields

It is very rich in vitamin C, magnesium and iron. As a powerful medicinal plant we are advised to eat moderately only young leaves.

Avoid during pregnancy, in case of epilepsy and in kidney disease.

Crawling all over our garden

For more details and learning to recognize Ground Ivy, check out the videos on the links below:

Ground Ivy - by LuminEarth
Ground Ivy a.k.a. Creeping Charlie by SecretsofLongevity









For extensive information on Ground Ivy:

Glechoma hederacea: Survival Plants Memory Course