Turf Weeds was developed to provide weed management information and newsearch reports to turfgrass managers.  This site contains information on weed identification, chemical and cultural management of weeds, and current topics relevant to weed management in lawns and professional turf.  Turf Weeds was created  by Dr. Shawn Askew, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Weed Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
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Plant Description:
Name:ground ivy
Scientific Name:Glechoma hederacea
Family:Labiatae
Type:Broadleaf
Lifecycle:Perennial
Habit:This creeping perennial, flowers from March through June. The seeds, which are produced from April to June, begin germination immediately. Like true Ivy, this plant remains green throughout the year unless the frost is too severe.
Leaves:The round or kidney shaped leaves are generally smooth, but occasionally will be sparsely hairy. The leaves have large rounded teeth along the margins, and the leaf veins stem from a single point.
Leaf Arrangement:Opposite
Characteristics:This plant can be distinguished by its square stem. The stems are generally hairless, but will occasionally produce short stiff backward-facing hairs. When crushed or mowed, it will produce a strong mint-like odor.
Flower Seed Head:Flowers occur in clusters of 2-3 on short ascending stems from the leaf axils. The tube shaped blue-violet flowers grow up to 1 cm in length.
Seed Fruit:The fruit are small, brown nutlets that are often egg shaped.
Where Found:This plant prefers damp shady habitats, but will tolerate full sun. It can be found in turfgrass, landscapes, and along roadsides.

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