Glechoma hederacea - Ground-ivy - (Lamiaceae)

Ground Ivy is common and widespread throughout the UK and Ireland. Despite its name it is not a member of the Ivy family (Araliaceae), but a member of the Mint family - Lamiaceae.

The plant is found in many European countries, including Slovenia.

This low growing creeper is mainly found beneath hedges, on old stone walls and in deciduous woodland, but any shaded grassy area is likely to contain ground-ivy if the soil remains damp throughout the year.

Ground-ivy

The violet-coloured flowers first appear in March, and ground-ivy continues to bloom until the end of May.

Ground-ivy

The leaves are sometimes reddish in colour or quite often so dark they could be described as purple.

The picture on this page was taken in West Wales in May.