ground ivy
ground ivy
In mint family. Leaves are great salad leaves. Purple/blue funnel shaped flowers are edible. Creeps along the ground, square stems, leaves opposite along stem. Leaves nearly round, short rounded teeth, (scalloped edges), leaf veins radiate from same point and smell like mint when crushed. Leaves look similar to garlic mustard but the smell is mint vs. mustard and Ground Ivy leaves have round-scalloped edges while garlic mustard has sharper-toothed edges. Keep cutting with lawn mower to keep leaves young and small. Can be juiced or make tea. Contains a volatile oil which aids in relieving congestion and inflammation of mucus membranes associated with colds, flu, and sinusitis. Anti-allergenic, antibacterial, antihistaminic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, cancer- Preventive, expectorant, immuno-stimulant, and sedative. Leaf tea used for lung problems like asthma, nose, throat, kidney problems, purifying blood, ulcers, cancer, cough, diarrhea, digestive issues, ear infections, fever, gas, hay fever, Test small amounts first, some people have reactions to this plant. Look-Alikes: There are some, but only Ground Ivy has a square stem and creeping stems that root at the nodes. Also, Ground Ivy smells similar to mint when crushed and leaves are opposite, not alternating, along the stem. Tea can even be given to small children.
Edible Plant Guide © 2012 Markus Rothkranz