Classification

• The scientific name for creeping charlie is Glechoma hederacea. It also goes by the scientific name Nepeta glechoma. Creeping charlie belongs to the Lamiaceae (or Labiatae) family, also known as the mint family. It tolerates sun, but prefers to grow in shade.
  
  

Leaves and Stem

• Creeping charlie has square stems that trail (grow out along the ground and off of which roots grow). The leaves of creeping charlie are kidney shaped (oval shaped with one side curved in) or round shaped and have a rounded, toothed edge. The diameter of the leaves ranges from 3/4 inch to 1.2 inches. The leaves are attached to the main stem by petioles (stems that attach the leaves to the stem).
  
  

Fruit and Flowers

• The fruit of creeping charlie are small nuts approximately .04-inch long, and are brown colored. Creeping charlie flowers are blue to blue violet and 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch long. They grow in bunches (usually three) in the space between the petiole and stem.
  
  

Roots

• Creeping charlie roots grow at leaf nodes and the base of the plant. They are fibrous. The roots are the primary way creeping charlie spreads.
  
  

Considerations

• Creeping charlie can be confused with the common mallow, the Persian speedwell, henbit and purple deadnettle.