How to Get Rid of Creeping Charlie

What is Creeping Charlie?

This aggressive weed (also called ground ivy) thrives in moist shade but also grows in sun, spreading into turf and beds. It's in the mint family, forming dense mats that smother other plants. Identify by round/kidney-shaped scalloped leaves, bright green and shiny, opposite on square stems that root at each node. Emits mint odor when crushed. Spring brings small purple tubular flowers.

Check our Weed Identification Guide.

How to Treat Creeping Charlie

Early infestation: repeated hand-weeding works. If widespread, use a broadleaf triple-mix herbicide containing 2,4-D, Mecoprop (MCPP), and Dicamba—standard post-emergents without these are less effective. Fall is best application time (also spring when flowering). May need two applications 2 weeks apart. Avoid drift onto desirable plants. Follow label directions.

Hand-pulled Creeping Charlie should not go in compost unless you want it back. Borax (boron) effectiveness is inconclusive.

How to Keep Creeping Charlie from Returning

Its presence signals lawn issues: too much shade, wet soil, or poor fertility. Healthy turf resists invasion. Mulch planting beds well to suppress weeds. For heavy shade, consider groundcovers instead of turf.

For help achieving strong turf, see our video on easy lawn-care tips.

Ideas for easy-growing, weed-smothering groundcovers.