Control Those Weeds: Creeping Charlie

This is the first of a series that will offer descriptions and control measures for some of the most common weeds. For the most part I will be referring to weeds found in the Midwest because that’s where I live and these are the ones I’m most familiar with. The majority of the information comes from various extension services and contacts that I have made in the 15 years that I have been a Master Gardener. This is not to mean that some of these weeds are not found in other regions of the U.S. I hope this information helps you to eliminate every gardener’s enemy the lowly weed.

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), also known as Creeping Jenny or ground ivy, is an herbaceous perennial plant that spreads by seed and by creeping stems or stolons that grow along the ground. Creeping Charlie was introduced into North America from Europe by early settlers who thought it would be a good groundcover for shade. It has numerous medicinal uses, and is commonly used as a salad green in many countries. A variegated form of the plant is sometimes used in hanging baskets.

If creeping Charlie is in the lawn, consider why Charlie is growing and the lawn isn't. Often it is in areas too shady for grass. Consider improving lawn management techniques, selective tree pruning to allow more sun or choose plants that grow well in shade. Any open areas in lawns or gardens invite weeds so use mulch or other ground covers to help fill in the areas. Similar to many weeds, Creeping Charlie will tolerate a wide variety of soils and environmental conditions.

By the time you realize that Charlie has invaded your domain it’s probably too late to hand pull it. Any small piece of root left in the soil will reappear shortly.

If you decide to try the herbicide route choose a postemergent broadleaf weed killer containing dicamba often found mixed with other weed killers, 2,4-D and mecoprop or MCPP in combination products. These can be found under a variety of brand names, check the ingredient list on the package. Products containing triclopyr or 2,4-D may also provide decent control. A second application later in the season according to label direction can provide additional control.

There is another method that has proven very effective using a product that you may have in your laundry room: 20 Mule Team Borax laundry detergent. Borax contains boron which is an essential micronutrient that aids in sugar transportation in plants. However, in excess amounts, boron has a toxic effect on creeping Charlie.

Borax must be applied with great caution because boron remains immobile in the soil and can accumulate to form a "hot spot" in the lawn. Boron toxicity results in yellow and brown spots around edges of leaves. Stems wilt and eventually the weed dies.
This treatment can be applied only once each year for two years. If you still have creeping Charlie problems, then switch to a standard herbicide.

I hope these suggestions help to rid your lawn of Charlie forever. Remember lush thick turf is the best deterrent to any kind of weed. Fertilize and water regularly.