Season Window
01 Apr – 30 JunDamp lawns, hedges, woodland edges and garden shade
Spring flowering stems
Ground Ivy
Glechoma hederacea
Underfoot and aromatic, ground ivy turns a shaded verge into a small violet landscape.
Harvest
How we meet this plant
Gather only a little flowering growth from clean, plentiful patches after confident identification.
Preparation
At the kitchen table
Historically used in teas and flavouring; avoid strong or prolonged home preparations.
Community Use
Why we teach it
A good field lesson in square stems, creeping growth and plant-name confusion.
Safety
Do not confuse this mint-family plant with true ivy. Seek professional advice before medicinal use, especially during pregnancy.