Ground Ivy is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, grassland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 50cm.
Despite the name, Ground Ivy is unrelated to the Common Ivy and is an aromatic ground-cover plant of the Mint family. Ground Ivy does not look Ivy-like in its leaves or flowers and is probably named after Ivy for its creeping habit.
Botanic classification and naming: Ground Ivy is a member of the Mint (Lamiaceae) family. The genus name
'Glechoma' identifies the plant as a Ground Ivy, a plant which spreads rapidly using stolons and its species name 'hederacea' means 'ivy-like plant'.
Concerns: Toxic to horses and livestock. Ground Ivy is also difficult to control, as it spreads rapidly by underground rooting stems ('rhizomes').
Benefits: Attracts Flower Bees, Carder Bees and Solitary Bees. Provides a food source for Bank Voles and caterpillars of the scarce Jersey Tiger moth.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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