What is the name of this weed in the grass pictured? - Ask Extension
I think this weed predominately in the grass is creeping charlie - can you confirm?
And, how do you recommend to get rid of it near a water body an...
Knowledgebase
What is the name of this weed in the grass pictured? #798542
Asked June 29, 2022, 12:01 PM EDT
I think this weed predominately in the grass is creeping charlie - can you confirm?
And, how do you recommend to get rid of it near a water body and being conscious of chemical runoff?
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Trisha,
The weed is ground ivy or creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)
Mention ground ivy or creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) to lawn care professionals or homeowners, and you'll most likely make them wince, scream, or both. Ground ivy is a common invader of lawns. In some parts of southeastern Michigan, it is regarded as the most common and most difficult-to-control weed problem in home lawns. Ground ivy is an aggressive, low-growing perennial that favors shaded, moist areas. A member of the mint family, it has square stems and is mildly aromatic, particularly
after mowing. If you roll the stem between your fingers, you will feel the ridges of the stem and can get a sense of the square stem phenomenon. This pesky weed has very distinctive coin-shaped leaves with round-toothed edges.
This plant is competitive in lawn situations because it creeps along the soil surface and can establish roots at each node (where the leaf attaches to the stem). This feature allows it to stick to the ground surface like Velcro and makes hand weeding frustrating, if not impossible. When the soil conditions are just right, however, it is possible to pull up a long string of plants, bringing a smile to most gardeners' faces.
Important!! - Please read more at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/resources/pdfs/ground_ivy_in_lawns_(e0006).pdf
Also, maintaining waterfront turf to preserve the quality of
the water - Lawns adjacent to lakes, ponds, rivers, or other surface water bodies should be regarded as sensitive areas. Though these lawn areas can benefit the water by filtering runoff water and protecting against soil erosion, it is important to understand the potential for turf maintenance
activities to affect water quality.
Pesticide Use Tips (In your case herbicide)
The weed is ground ivy or creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)
Mention ground ivy or creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) to lawn care professionals or homeowners, and you'll most likely make them wince, scream, or both. Ground ivy is a common invader of lawns. In some parts of southeastern Michigan, it is regarded as the most common and most difficult-to-control weed problem in home lawns. Ground ivy is an aggressive, low-growing perennial that favors shaded, moist areas. A member of the mint family, it has square stems and is mildly aromatic, particularly
after mowing. If you roll the stem between your fingers, you will feel the ridges of the stem and can get a sense of the square stem phenomenon. This pesky weed has very distinctive coin-shaped leaves with round-toothed edges.
This plant is competitive in lawn situations because it creeps along the soil surface and can establish roots at each node (where the leaf attaches to the stem). This feature allows it to stick to the ground surface like Velcro and makes hand weeding frustrating, if not impossible. When the soil conditions are just right, however, it is possible to pull up a long string of plants, bringing a smile to most gardeners' faces.
Important!! - Please read more at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/resources/pdfs/ground_ivy_in_lawns_(e0006).pdf
Also, maintaining waterfront turf to preserve the quality of
the water - Lawns adjacent to lakes, ponds, rivers, or other surface water bodies should be regarded as sensitive areas. Though these lawn areas can benefit the water by filtering runoff water and protecting against soil erosion, it is important to understand the potential for turf maintenance
activities to affect water quality.
Pesticide Use Tips (In your case herbicide)
- Always follow label directions.
- Keep products off impervious surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks.
- Spot treat areas rather than use blanket treatments whenever possible.
- Establish a buffer strip adjacent to the water where no pesticides/herbicides are applied.
- From <https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/maintaining-waterfront-turf-to-preserve-water-quality>
