A Fan-shaped Weed – Ground Ivy
Latin Name: Glechoma hederacea During a trip to the unusually named Lusty Hill on campus at UEA to sample the plant biodiversity of the site, we encountered a large abundance of Ground Ivy particularly on the plateau of the hill itself. Ground Ivy is found throughout the UK and can often be seen in woodland, grassland and even areas of wasteland. Ground Ivy tends to favour soil rich in both nitrogen and phosphate. Such a tendency and favourability towards soils rich in nitrogen and phosphate can cause problems for arable farmers, many of whom regard Ground Ivy as a weed and an irritation. However, a Ground Ivy infestation is usually reasonably easy to eradicate or at least control using simple cultivation and herbicides. In terms of appearance, Glechoma hederacea is easily identified via its distinctive fan-shaped leaves which often stretch several centimetres in diameter. Ground Ivy often flowers between the months of May to July, an occurrence t