Friends of creeping charlie: Unite!

By Cliff Johnson, master gardener

Every once in a while a topic pops up on the Master Gardener listserv that sets off a firestorm of discussion. The most-recent fury resulted from a request on how to eradicate creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea).

This letter from Larry, a gardener in Hennepin County, set the tone: “I recognize that I am about to make some heretical comments here and doubtless am a fan club of one, but what is the big deal about eradicating creeping charlie from the face of the earth? It is, I believe, much ado about nothing. Consider it your pal.

“Think about it: with creeping charlie you have a ground cover that requires zip fertilizer and maintenance. No need to aerate it. It can live in shade or sun and under trees very nicely. It will take any abuse kiddies and doggies can give it. No more yellow spots to worry about. It secures the soil, thus preventing erosion. It can spruce up your rain garden and keep down the ‘real weeds.’

“It makes nice little blue flowers and it has a spicy little fragrance. It is low growing — maybe three inches or so. The leaves have character. Can you say that about your lawn? I don’t think so. You can even mow it every now and then if you have the urge to contribute to noise pollution in your neighborhood and do your part to keep the oil producers in the money. And it is free! It wafts in on the breeze and spreads its abundance and good cheer without having to do anything.

“With creeping charlie there is no need to apply grub killers or other pesticides or herbicides. Heck, even the folks in the U.K. like it. They grow and nurture it everywhere. Can the land of the King and Queen and St. James Park be that far off the mark?
“Nuke creeping charlie? Shame, shame.”

Larry’s letter prompted dozens of responses, including this from Rita: “I love creeping charlie! I’m not afraid to admit it either. I love the pretty little flowers, the leaf shape and the spicy scent.