Ground ivy or ground ivy is a aromatic and medicinal herb that is native to Europe and occurs on nutrient-rich soils. Occasionally it is grown in the garden to green shady areas, even though it can quickly become a nuisance there. A small fact sheet about the versatile plant.

The ground ivy spreads quickly via underground spurs

Gundermann - a profile

  • Other names: Gundelrebe, Erdfeu, Huder, Gundelreif
  • Botanical name: Glechoma hederacea
  • Plant Family: Lamiaceae
  • Distribution: Europe
  • Leaves: green or variegated, roundish tapering
  • Flowers: violet, up to 2.5 cm long, typical labiate
  • Fertilization: monoecious, fertilization by insects
  • Flowering time: April to July, main flowering time April / May
  • Harvest time: April to August
  • Fruit: Klausen fruit
  • Propagation: stolons, seeds
  • Hardiness: hardy, evergreen
  • Toxicity: non-toxic
  • Use in the kitchen: salads, egg dishes, condiments
  • Medicinal plant use: kidney problems, abscesses, tumors, etc.
  • Use in the garden: ground cover, shady corners

Ground ivy - related to thyme and basil

Ground ivy is closely related to the more well-known herbs thyme and basil. Similar to these, ground ivy leaves give off a slightly pungent, aromatic scent when rubbed between fingers.

There are some similar plants like the creeping bugle, the red deadnettle, ivy or the lesser prunella, which are often confused with the ground ivy.

The aromatic scent is typical. The ground ivy can also be determined by the size of the leaves and the shape of the flowers.

The fruit of the Gundermann are Klausen

After fertilization, ground ivy forms so-called Klaus fruits. They break down into four parts, from each of which a single nut fruit emerges, the hermitage. It is covered with a slightly sticky film. As a result, it gets caught on the fur of passing animals and reproduces the ground ivy in this way.

Gundermann is difficult to fight

The ground ivy forms very long, above-ground runners, with which it spreads throughout the garden and also displaces the lawn.

Fighting it is not easy and requires a lot of manual work. So that other plants are not displaced and fungal diseases do not spread, Gundermann should be kept in check.

tips

Gundermann has the function of a show plant in gardening and landscaping. Where the herb grows, the soil is very rich in nitrogen. This is why ground ivy is often found near the nettles, which also prefer nitrogen-rich soils.

Category:

Vegetable garden