How to Get Rid of Creeping Charlie, an Invasive, Fast-Spreading Weed

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), also called ground ivy, alehoof, and catsfoot, is a low-growing, invasive weed that can easily take over your lawn or 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.

Identifying Creeping Charlie

Creeping Charlie has square stems and kidney-shaped or round leaves with scalloped edges, producing small, bluish-purple flowers in spring, says Funk. When you cut up or crush it, you'll notice a minty aroma, a reminder that it's from the mint family. 

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 Kelly Funk, president of Jackson & Perkins. "Persistence will pay off." Here's how to get rid of creeping Charlie.

Hand-Pulling

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. "Hand-pulling is a powerful method to remove creeping Charlie, especially when the infestation isn’t too widespread," says Funk. Make sure the soil is moist or hand-pull after it's rained so it's easy to pull out the weeds and the roots. "Remove it before it flowers to avoid further spreading through seeds," she says. Don't toss any creeping Charlie into the compost bin—the rhizomes and seeds can keep growing, and you can unknowingly spread those seeds when you use your compost in your garden. Bag up the weeds for curbside yard waste.

Smothering 

If you have a larger area 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 newspapers or cardboard—just make 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. 

Herbicide

If the problem is widespread and you decide that herbicides are the only option for your landscape, you'll need to 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."

But, think carefully before you apply herbicides to your yard, as it can have longer-term implications. "Herbicides can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater [and can] harm beneficial insects, pollinators, and other wildlife that come into contact with them," says Phillips.

Keeping Creeping Charlie Out of Your Landscape

There are ways to prevent creeping Charlie or at least limit its ability to come back. An important way to thwart creeping Charlie is by paying attention and being proactive if there are any signs of the weed in your garden or landscape.  "A healthy landscape with dense growth is less hospitable to creeping Charlie," says Phillips. With many types of groundcovers 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.

If you have a lawn, properly maintaining it can reduce creeping Charlie from having the ability to spread and take over. "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."

And lastly, make sure to clean your garden tools after working with creeping Charlie to prevent spread, Funk says.