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Is this a invasive vine taking over? Please help ID

Mila Ski (Z5 Chicago)

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I noticed that I have more and more of these leaves mixed between my grass on my yard closer to the neighboor's side. Today I saw this vine looking plant popping out on my side coming from his garden. Same kind of leaves. I am PETRIFIED it may be some invasive vine that can destroy my yard. I'm in Chicagoland zone 5. Please help!

Featured Answer

wisconsitom

8 years ago

In the lawn, a tough competitor. But not even on the same page for overall destructiveness as garlic mustard or buckthorn-two plants that can prevent tree seedlings from developing on the forest floor. This one can't do anything like that, not even close. Which brings me to the subject of how everyone seems to have their own version of "invasive species". For some, they think that is just any plant-native or not-with aggressive ability to colonize a site. For others, it's a plant that can naturalize in the landscape, whether it is causing any problems or not. In reality, true invasive exotic species are those which can and do replace whole native plant communities, things like common buckthorn and garlic mustard...things where, once they get going, the total nature of the site is completely altered and simplified...usually down to just that one species.

I've had Glechoma in my lawn forever. A few times, I've went through the trouble of controlling it, and this can be done as I covered above. Right now, it's back in full force, having crept in from the sides, but since I now suddenly have three grandchildren that do or will be playing on our grass, I've withheld the phenoxy stuff. I'll live with the ground ivy for now, and in fact, there is one thing I've always actually liked about it-the minty fresh smell whenever I cut the lawn. But to lump this one in with the bad invasives is just misguided.

+oM

Comments (9)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
ID'd on the Name That Plant forum - Glechoma hederacea.
wisconsitom
8 years ago
Tough lawn weed. Phenoxy herbicides (2-4D, Dicamaba, etc.) will take it out, but in my experience, it has taken two applications, spaced about a week to 10 days apart, to do it in. then invariably, it will creep right back into your yard from one or more of the neighbors. That's how mine went, but I'm sure I'd contributed more than a little to their lawns over the years too!

+om
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dena_eft
8 years ago
gill over the ground, or ground ivy. you can pull it, it's not so bad,but keep on top of it. :) arum
toolbelt68
8 years ago
Looks like Creeping Charlie to me. Weed-B-Gon takes it out but you have to keep after it. PS. Do your neighbors if you really want to get rid of it. 5 years from now you will still have it....... grrrrrrr Just dropped in from the rose forum looking for info on Jasmine vines and saw this, sorry.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
8 years ago
Creeping Charlie is Glechoma hederaceae as identified above. Ground Ivy and Gill over the Ground are other vernacular names for the same species.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
This thread is a stellar example of why it's important to use scientific nomenclature. It can be very confusing for the OP if one plant goes by several common names.
wisconsitom
8 years ago
Thread also an excellent showcase of the tendency of folks to climb into conversation and reproduce-almost to the word-the exact advice already given further above! Maybe that's a good thing, research tending to show that we need to hear or see something three times before it is committed to memory!

+oM
docmom_gw
8 years ago
I would like to say that the invasiveness and difficulty of controlling this weed have been understated, in my opinion. This plant can adapt to any circumstance of light, moisture, temperature, etc. and will crowd out other plants completely. It is easy to pull, but tiny roots left behind will report. Chemicals are the only reliable way to completely eradicate it. I have fought this weed at three different homes, and it joins Yucca, Lily of the Valley, Crab Grass, Garlic Mustard and others as life-long combatants.

Martha

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