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Ground Ivy
Life cycle: Perennial. Spreads by stolons above the ground.
Leaves: Bright green, round, scalloped leaves. Crushed leaves may have a pungent smell as this plant is in the mint family.
Stems: Four-sided, square, spreading stems.
Flowers: Clusters of small, bluish flowers.
Roots: Roots are shallow.
Comments: Difficult weed to control.
Control
Cultural: Use a garden rake to pull up shoots. Plant shade-tolerant grasses (fescues) in shady areas. If dark shade prevents grass growth, consider establishing shade-tolerant landscapes or mulching.
Foliar Herbicides: Fall applications may be best. Repeated herbicide applications spaced 1-2 weeks apart may improve control. Products that contain 2,4-D and dicamba (Weed-B-Gone Max, Trimec, WeedStop, and others), triclopyr (Turflon), and fluroxypyr (Spotlight).
Soil Herbicides: Products that contain pendimethalin (Pendulum) or dithiopyr (Dimension Ultra). For landscapes, may use isoxaben (Gallery or Portrait).