 |
||||||
|
||||||
 Alternate Picture(s) |
 |
|
Ground ivy is a creeping winter perennial. The leaves are round to kidney shaped with round toothed edges. The leaves are opposite on long petiole attached to square stems that root at the nodes. It is usually found in moist shaded areas, but also tolerate sun very well. Ground ivy will form dense mats which can take over areas of turfgrass. The flowers of ground ivy are blue to lavender and grow in clusters. It usually flowers in the spring. The |
|
flowers are funnel shaped and are located at the leaf axis or near the tip of the stem. Ground ivy spreads by stolons and sometimes by seed. Ground ivy closely resembles common mallow. Ground ivy is more common in the East, but can be found throughout the United States. |
| Integrated Pest Management Control Recommendations: |
Cultural Practices:
Ground ivy
is a highly aggressive plant species which will quickly invade turf areas
from adjacent properties or ornamental planting areas. Management attempts
based on physical removal of ground ivy plants require constant vigilance
and careful attention. The stem runners can be several feet long, and the
failure to remove all plants along the entire length will result in re-infestation.
Additionally, all planted ornamental beds must be cleaned out as well to
avoid ground ivy spreading from these areas. If an adjacent property is
not properly maintained and is infested with ground ivy, property perimeters
will require constant attention.
Maintenance of dense stands of turfgrass with good insect and disease control and a sound fertility program will help prevent major infestations.
Herbicide Use:
Ground ivy in turf areas which must be maintained to high specification
will require the application of a postemergent broadleaf herbicide, generally
in sequential applications every three to four weeks, but at least in
the spring and fall. Optimum control will be obtained on ground ivy that
is actively growing and in the 2-leaf to flower growth stage.
University Links | Gordon's Recommendations | Germination Dates
