Lamiaceae, the mint family.
Description:
Plant:
Low, creeping plant with square stems, opposite, rounded leaves, and small
blue or violet axillary flowers. Perennial
Flowers:
Blue to violet, bilateral, in classic "mint" shape. Lower lip prominent,
lobed, purple-spotted. Upper lip much smaller.
Generally in groups of 2 or 3 in leaf axils.
Leaves:
Opposite, round or kidney-shaped (reniform), with rounded teeth, 1/2"-1", on distinct stem.
Fruit:
Four-seeded capsule.
Blooming:
May-June
Habitat:
Shady lawns, wood margins, disturbed sites.
Comments:
This member of the mint family, introduced from Europe, is common
in shady lawns, and is often a troublesome weed.
Because it spreads through underground runners (stolons) it can be difficult
to eradicate.In common with many mints,
it has a strong, aromatic odor when crushed or cut.
Ground Ivy has a long history as a medicinal plant, being used in teas as a general tonic for colds and coughs.
It seems to have some actual anti-inflammatory properties.
Where to find it:
In shady lawn areas near the woods and some of the wood margins near the
parking lot.