Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), also known as Creeping Charlie or Alehoof, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, including the United Kingdom. Belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), it is a low-growing creeper with rounded, scalloped leaves and small, purple-blue flowers.

Ground Ivy commonly grows in shaded and damp habitats across the UK, including woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. It thrives in nutrient-rich soils and can often be found carpeting forest floors or trailing along paths and edges.

Nutrient requirements for Ground Ivy are moderate, but it benefits from soils with good organic content. Its ability to tolerate shade and compete with other vegetation allows it to thrive in a variety of habitats, including those with nutrient-rich leaf litter.

In terms of predators, Ground Ivy faces few threats in the UK. While some herbivorous insects may feed on its foliage, it is generally left undisturbed by grazers and other animals due to its low height and strong aroma.

The lifespan of Ground Ivy can vary, but individual plants typically persist for several years, forming dense mats and spreading via creeping stems (stolons) that root at nodes along the ground.

Culturally, Ground Ivy has been used in traditional herbal medicine and culinary practices. It was historically brewed into ales and herbal teas and used as a medicinal herb for various ailments. However, it is now considered an invasive weed in some contexts due to its aggressive growth habit.

An interesting fact about Ground Ivy is its high content of essential oils, which give it a distinctive aromatic scent when crushed or bruised. This fragrance has led to its occasional use as a natural air freshener or insect repellent.