Ground Ivy


Ground Ivy

About 12 species of creeping perennials make up thie European genus. Glechoma hederacea is a common lawn and garden weed with a variegated cultivar ('Variegata') that is sometimes offered alongside bedding plants as a trailing plant for barrels, windowboxes, and hanging baskets. It is equally useful as a groundcover beneath shrubs and hedges. Glechoma hederacea was important in brewing until about the 16th century, giving rise to its common name "alehoof" ("hoof" meant an herb); it was superseded by hops (Humulus lupulus, See, hops). This useful herb was also made into a cough medicine known as "gill tea", from the French guiller, "to ferment" (as in beer). Glechoma comes from the Greek Glechon, "Mint-like plant".

Creeping, stoloniferous, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial with aromatic, kidney-shaped leaves, to 3cm (1¼in) across, which are often purple-tinged and have scalloped margins. Tubular, 2-lipped, blue-mauve flowers are produced in spring and early summer.


Common Name:
Ground Ivy
Other Names:
Alehoof
Botanical Name:
Glechoma hederacea syn. Nepeta glechoma, N. hederacea
Genus:
Glechoma
Family:
Lamiaceae
Native Location:
Europe and N America.
Cultivation:
Moist, well-drained soil in sun or shade. Invasive
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring (species only); by division in autumn or spring; by separation of rooted stolons at any time.
Harvest:
Flowering plants are dried for infusions and liquid extracts.
Height:
15cm (6in)
Width:
2m (6ft)
Variations:
Variegata
(Nepeta, variegated ground ivy)
Has white variegated leaves.
Hardiness:
Z4-9
Parts Used:
Whole plant
Properties:
A bitter, aromatic, astringent herb; it has a tonic effect on the bronchial, digestive, and urinary system, and is diuretic and expectorant.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for excess mucus, sinusitis, ear infections, bronchitis, gastritis, and cystitis. Externally for inflammations of throat and mouth, and hemorrhoids.
Culinary Uses:
Fresh or dried leaves are used to make herb tea. Young leaves can be added to soups.
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2005. Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 224-225.