Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) (Glechoma hederacea): Identification & Selective Herbicide Matrix
Quick Agronomic Summary
Triclopyr ester combined with Sulfentrazone and Dicamba (TZone SE) provides 95%+ eradication of Creeping Charlie when applied in two sequential applications 21 days apart between 50°F and 80°F.
- Diagnostic Marker 1: Round to kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped (crenate) edges arranged opposite each other
- Diagnostic Marker 2: Square-sided stems (mint family) that creep aggressively along the soil surface and emit a pungent minty odor when crushed
- Diagnostic Marker 3: Small funnel-shaped violet-blue flowers with purple speckles blooming in leaf axils during spring
What is the most effective herbicide for Creeping Charlie?
Triclopyr ester combined with Sulfentrazone and Dicamba (TZone SE) provides 95%+ eradication of Creeping Charlie when applied in two sequential applications 21 days apart between 50°F and 80°F.
Creeping Charlie develops a thick waxy cuticle in summer that repels water-based 2,4-D sprays. Triclopyr ester penetrates the waxy leaf barrier and moves systemically through the square stolon network, while also eliminating co-occurring Wild Violet in shaded cool-season lawns.
When is the best time of year to kill Creeping Charlie?
The primary kill window is mid-to-late autumn (October through November, 50°F–70°F) after the first light frost, with a secondary window in mid-spring when purple flowers are in full bloom.
During autumn, Creeping Charlie translocates sugars directly into its stolon nodes to survive winter, pulling Triclopyr deep into the root system. Spraying in mid-summer above 80°F causes Triclopyr volatilization and results in rapid stolon regrowth within 3 weeks.
EPA-Registered Herbicides Labeled for Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy)
The table below compares all selective herbicides in our database that control Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy), including active ingredient groups, application temperature limits (°F), and surfactant requirements.
| Brand Name & EPA Reg. | Active Ingredient & WSSA Group | Temp Window (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenacity EPA Reg. 100-1267 |
Mesotrione 40% Group 27 (HPPD Inhibitor) |
55°F – 85°F Rainfast: 6h |
Always apply with Non-Ionic Surfactant (NIS) at 1 tsp (5 mL) per gallon of water for post-emergent applications. Causes temporary white bleaching on susceptible weeds and turf tips. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer EPA Reg. 2217-833 |
2,4-D 28.57%, Mecoprop-p 5.88%, Dicamba 1.71%, Carfentrazone-ethyl 0.62% Group 4 + Group 14 (Synthetic Auxins + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 85°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT add surfactant. Adding NIS or MSO increases ester volatility and causes severe contact burn on desirable cool-season turf. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| TZone SE EPA Reg. 2217-920 |
Triclopyr 7.72%, 2,4-D 29.36%, Dicamba 2.22%, Sulfentrazone 0.66% Group 4 + Group 14 (Pyridine Auxin + Phenoxy + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 80°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT mix with surfactant when temperatures exceed 75°F. In cool spring or fall conditions (55°F–70°F), 0.5 tsp NIS per gallon improves waxy leaf penetration on Wild Violet. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| Pylex Herbicide EPA Reg. 7969-327 |
Topramezone 29.7% Group 27 (HPPD Inhibitor / Pyrazolone) |
55°F – 85°F Rainfast: 1h |
Must be applied with Methylated Seed Oil (MSO) at 1 to 1.5 tsp per gallon of water. Tank-mixing with Triclopyr Ester reduces white bleaching and speeds up Bermudagrass and Goosegrass mortality. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
Turfgrass Compatibility Matrix for Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) Herbicides
Always verify that your chosen herbicide is safe for your specific lawn grass before broadcast spraying:
| Herbicide | KBG | Tall Fescue | Ryegrass | Bermuda | St. Aug | Zoysia | Centipede | Bahia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenacity | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | AVOID ACTIVELY GROWING | SOD PRODUCTION ONLY | DAMAGE RISK | SAFE | AVOID |
| SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | AVOID | SAFE | AVOID | SAFE |
| TZone SE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | DAMAGE RISK | AVOID | SAFE | AVOID | AVOID |
| Pylex Herbicide | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | AVOID | AVOID | DAMAGE RISK | SAFE | AVOID |
How to Distinguish Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) from Lookalike Weeds
| Lookalike Species | Key Botanical & Diagnostic Difference |
|---|---|
| Henbit | Henbit is a winter annual whose upper leaves clasp directly around the stem without petioles, whereas Creeping Charlie is a year-round perennial with distinct leaf stalks at every node. |
| Common Mallow | Common Mallow has round stems with alternating leaves radiating from a central taproot and no mint fragrance. |