Question:
What is the difference between ground ivy, creeping Charlie, and henbit?Answer:
Ground ivy and creeping charlie are two different common names that refer to the same plant (Glechoma hederacea). Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a different species that looks similar. It is important to tell them apart because ground ivy is a very invasive, hard-to-control weed, while henbit is considered a rather nonaggressive weedy plant.
These two plants are difficult to separate primarily because both produce round, toothed leaves, square stems, and opposite leaf arrangement. Their flower shape (tubular) and flower color (lavender-blue) are also identical, and both grow well in shady areas.
There are a few differences. Henbit is a winter annual while ground ivy or creeping charlie is a perennial. All the upper leaves of henbit are attached to the stem, while ground ivy leaves have petioles (small leaf stalks). Henbit has hairy leaves, unlike the smooth leaves of ground ivy. Ground ivy also has stems that usually root at each joint where they touch the ground; each rooted joint can become an independent plant if the main stem is severed. Henbit on the other hand, will have only a single tap-root. It does not produce roots at a joint that touches the ground.
Control of these two species looks different as they have different life cycles. After you've identified the species use the respective link below to manage the weed.
How to Manage Annual Weeds (like Henbit)
Control of Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie)
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