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 that is very noticeable as the landscape becomes adorned with a vibrant blue colour. The plant is still common throughout the winter months as the average avid walker would tell you.
Prevalent within the fields and quaint woodland situated on the UEA campus, Ground Ivy has previously been noted for its supposed health benefits, with some medical authors dating back hundreds of years writing of how the plant can act as a remedy to the common cold. It has also been touted as a useful antidote to painful and irritating nettle stings, proving that such a plant is not such a nuisance after all.
Ground Ivy is also a renowned accessory for many foodstuffs with its addition to many soups, pies and broths not uncommon, whilst it can also be used in the mixing of stuffing and its flower in salads.

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