Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie)

What it looks like

Square stems with round, scalloped, shiny leaves that give off a strong mint smell when crushed. It has small bluish-purple tubular flowers and spreads along the ground on runners. Often confused with wild violet, but violet has heart-shaped leaves, no square stem, and no mint smell.

Often mistaken for: Wild violet

When it shows up in the Triangle

Shows up and flowers in spring (April–May), but as a perennial it can spread and persist well beyond that.

Where you’ll see it

Found in home lawns, especially shady, damp areas where turf is thin.

What you can do

• Improve drainage and reduce excess moisture where possible
• Prune trees/shrubs to let in more light and reduce shade
• Thicken up the lawn with proper mowing, watering, and feeding so it can compete better
• Hand-pull small patches, making sure to remove the runners
• Don't rely on mowing alone—it spreads by creeping stems, not just seed