Gleditsia triacanthos

Glechoma hederacea (syn. Nepeta glechoma Benth., Nepeta hederacea (L.) Trevir.) is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to Europe and southwestern Asia. It is commonly known as ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, and run-away-robin.

Description

Glechoma hederacea is a perennial, evergreen creeper that spreads by means of stolons (runners), which root at the nodes. The leaves are kidney-shaped, with scalloped margins, and are borne on long petioles. The flowers are small, tubular, and violet-blue in color, and are produced from March to June.

Distribution and habitat

Glechoma hederacea is native to Europe and southwestern Asia but has been introduced to North America and is now widely naturalized there. It is found in a wide range of habitats, including woodland, grassland, and urban areas, and is often considered a weed in gardens and lawns.

Uses

Historically, Glechoma hederacea has been used in traditional medicine for its purported medicinal properties. It has also been used as a culinary herb, and in the brewing of beer.

Ecology

Glechoma hederacea is a host plant for the larvae of some species of Lepidoptera, including the moth species Agonopterix heracliana.

Cultivation

Glechoma hederacea is easily grown in any soil, and is best suited to a position in partial shade. It can be propagated by division in spring or autumn, or from seed sown in spring.

References

This flora-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.