How to Get Rid of Creeping Charlie—and Prevent It From Coming Back

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), also called ground ivy, alehoof, and catsfoot, is a low-growing, invasive weed that can easily take over your landscape. This weed is part of the mint family, which is notorious for spreading when not contained. Creeping Charlie thrives in moist and shaded areas but also tolerates sun. Once you know you have this weed in the garden, you'll want to take immediate action to stop the spread.  

We spoke with gardening experts on how to identify and get rid of creeping Charlie, plus tips to prevent it from returning.

How to Identify Creeping Charlie

Creeping Charlie has square stems and kidney-shaped or round leaves with scalloped edges, producing small, bluish-purple flowers in spring, says Kelly Funk, president of Jackson & Perkins. When you cut up or crush it, you'll notice a minty aroma.

How to Get Rid of Creeping Charlie

There are different ways to get rid of creeping Charlie. The method you choose will depend on if it's a small or large infestation. "Eradicating creeping Charlie completely can be a challenge, but with multiple control methods and ongoing maintenance, you can keep it under control," says Funk. "Persistence will pay off." Here's how to get rid of creeping Charlie.

Hand-Pull Creeping Charlie

Pulling out the weeds is one way to eliminate creeping Charlie from your landscape. Hand-pulling is a great option for homeowners who desire an organic method of removal, says Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation.

This is typically most effective when there's a small amount of creeping Charlie in your landscape. Make sure the soil is moist or hand-pull after it has rained so it's easy to pull out the weeds and the roots. "Remove it before it flowers to avoid further spreading through seeds," says Funk. Don't put creeping Charlie into your compost bin, as the rhizomes and seeds will keep growing and can be spread to your garden when you enrich the soil with compost. Bag up the weeds for curbside yard waste.

Smother Creeping Charlie 

If you have a larger infestation of creeping Charlie or don't have the patience to hand-pull, smothering is an effective option. "Smothering creeping Charlie involves covering the area with layers of newspaper or cardboard, then adding a thick layer of mulch on top," says Funk. "This method is effective because it deprives the creeping Charlie of light, essentially killing it." 

To use the smothering technique, gather up plenty of newspaper or cardboard, making sure that it's plain, unwaxed, and biodegradable, says Phillips. This prevents unwanted chemicals from leaching into the soil. "You'll typically need several layers of newspaper or cardboard—about four to six layers thick to ensure complete coverage," says Funk. Smothering not only stops light from reaching creeping Charlie, but it also stops airflow, helping to kill the weeds and the roots. 

Use an Herbicide on Creeping Charlie

If the problem is widespread and you decide that herbicides are the only option for your landscape, look for one that is geared toward broadleaf weeds. "Herbicides formulated specifically for broadleaf weed control can be effective against creeping Charlie," says Funk. "These usually contain ingredients like 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr. Follow label instructions carefully to avoid damaging desirable plants."

Keeping Creeping Charlie Out of Your Landscape

Creeping Charlie is a resilient plant that may come back even after using the above methods. Being proactive is the best way to keep this plant at bay.  "A healthy landscape with dense growth is less hospitable to creeping Charlie," says Phillips. With many types of ground covers available, you can be proactive and plant one in areas where creeping Charlie has previously been to reduce the chances of it coming back. "Choose a plant with a vigorous growth habit to outcompete the creeping Charlie," says Funk. She suggests creeping thyme, sedum, and bugleweed.

Properly maintaining your lawn can also reduce creeping Charlie from returning and spreading. "Maintain a thick, healthy lawn through proper lawn care practices, such as regular watering, mowing at the correct height, and appropriate fertilization," says Funk. "These practices can prevent creeping Charlie from establishing." Clean your garden tools after working with creeping Charlie to prevent spread, Funk adds.