GROUND IVY

Ground ivy is a very common perennial plant. The roots forms long unbranched square stems, bearing many kidney-shaped dark green leaves. The light pink flowers are placed in the axils of the upper leaves. The flowers are two-lipped, with the lower lip consisting of three lobes. Ground ivy blossoms from early spring until the autumn.

Parts used

The flowers, leaves and stems are used.

Phytochemicals

These are typical phytochemicals found in ground ivy: sesquiterpenes, tannins, sapponins.

Benefits of ground ivy

Ground ivy is used as a diuretic, astringent and stimulant. Ground ivy has anti-diarrhoeal properties and is used to treat colds, coughs and wounds. The juice of the fresh ground ivy is diaphoretic and diuretic. The taste is rather bitter.

Other facts

Ground ivy prefers moist and shady habitats, but will also tolerate full sun. It can be found in lawns, landscapes and along roadsides. The young leaves of ground ivy are eatable and can be added to green salads.

Other names

Alehoof, catsfoot, creeping charley, gill-go-over-the-ground, haymaid, hedgemaid