Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a common, non-native weed in the mint family. It can be found around the world.
Ground ivy, also known as creeping Charlie and ale hoof, can be found in lawns, fields, and woodland edges. It prefers moist, fertile soil.
Ground ivy spreads by runners and seeds. It often creates dense mats.
Ground ivy can be identified by its square stem and opposite, fan-shaped leaves which have a slightly hairy upper surface. In mid-spring the plant starts to produce small funnel-shaped purple flowers. The entire plant will have a minty, sage-like aroma when crushed.
Ground ivy is edible raw or cooked, although it loses most of its flavor with cooking. It is best harvested when young, as the plant can develop some bitterness with age.
Leaves can be used to flavor salads and soups. They can also be used as an alternative to rennet in cheese making. Traditionally, the leaves were used to brew herbal ales, hence the name “ale hoof”.
The plant can be turned into a medicinal herbal tea. This tea has been consumed medicinally to treat headaches, sunburns, asthma, and indigestion. The plant is also high in vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron, and protein.
Ground ivy can also be used to make an herbal tincture. To make the tincture, fill a jar 1/2 way with fresh chopped stems, leaves, and flowers. Add a spoonful of honey, and then fill the jar the rest of the way with brandy. Place the jar in a dark cabinet for 2-3 weeks. Then strain and store the tincture in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight. The tincture will last for at least 1 year. Start with 2-3 drops of tincture at a time for colds. If tolerated well, people can work their way up to 20-30 drops a few times a day.
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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.
Can anyone recommend a good foraging book for beginners? A guidebook to take out on my walks to start to learn identifying plants. Thank you I live in the central New Jersey area. I do go to the Atlantic Highlands. And I agree with another comment I wish there were more foraging groups, in this part of New Jersey
Hi, I recommend Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide as a good general field guide for identifying the plants. Peterson’s are also good, and have general, edible, and medicinal guides. I also found the Audubon field guide helpful.
Samuel Thayer recently came out with a very thick field guide, but I would start with one of the others and use Thayer for reference, at least in the field.
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4 Responses
Hi, I was wondering which parts could be eaten?
All above ground parts of the ground ivy plant can be consumed!
Can anyone recommend a good foraging book for beginners? A guidebook to take out on my walks to start to learn identifying plants. Thank you I live in the central New Jersey area. I do go to the Atlantic Highlands. And I agree with another comment I wish there were more foraging groups, in this part of New Jersey
Hi, I recommend Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide as a good general field guide for identifying the plants. Peterson’s are also good, and have general, edible, and medicinal guides. I also found the Audubon field guide helpful.
Samuel Thayer recently came out with a very thick field guide, but I would start with one of the others and use Thayer for reference, at least in the field.