Choosing the best herbicide for Creeping Charlie requires understanding its growth habits and selecting products that can effectively kill both the foliage and root system.

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), also known as ground ivy, is one of the most persistent and challenging lawn weeds to control.

Creeping Charlie is an aggressive perennial that spreads rapidly through both seeds and creeping stems that root at the nodes.

This comprehensive guide examines the most effective herbicides for eliminating Creeping Charlie, including both chemical and organic options. We’ll cover application timing, techniques, and follow-up treatments to ensure complete eradication of this troublesome weed.

10 Best Herbicides for Creeping Charlie Control

1. Triclopyr Herbicide (Brush-B-Gon, Weed-B-Gon)

Triclopyr is considered the most effective active ingredient against Creeping Charlie. As a selective herbicide, it targets broadleaf weeds without harming most grasses. Triclopyr works by mimicking natural plant hormones, causing uncontrolled growth that eventually kills the weed.

 

For best results, use a product containing at least 8% triclopyr and apply in fall when Creeping Charlie is actively storing nutrients in its roots. Mix 1.5 oz per gallon of water and add a surfactant to help the herbicide adhere to the waxy leaves. A second application 10-14 days later is often necessary for complete control.

University studies show triclopyr provides 85-95% control of Creeping Charlie when applied properly. It’s particularly effective when combined with other herbicides in a three-way mix.

2. 2,4-D + Dicamba + MCPP Three-Way Herbicide

A combination of 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP (mecoprop) provides good control of Creeping Charlie, especially when mixed with triclopyr. These three active ingredients attack the weed through different modes of action, making it harder for Creeping Charlie to develop resistance.

 

Apply in spring or fall when temperatures are between 60-85°F. Use 2-3 oz per gallon of water with a surfactant. The three-way mix typically provides 70-80% control with a single application, but follow-up treatments are often needed for complete eradication.

This combination works well for lawns with multiple broadleaf weeds, as it controls dandelions, clover, and plantain in addition to Creeping Charlie.

3. Borax (Sodium Tetraborate)

Borax offers an organic alternative for Creeping Charlie control, though it requires careful application to avoid damaging desirable plants. The boron in borax is toxic to Creeping Charlie but can be harmful to grass and other plants at high concentrations.

Mix 10 oz of 20 Mule Team Borax in 2.5 gallons of water and apply to 1,000 sq ft of lawn. Apply in fall when Creeping Charlie is actively growing but temperatures are below 85°F. Avoid overlapping applications and don’t use more than once per year.

Studies show borax provides 60-70% control of Creeping Charlie with proper application. It works best in small, targeted areas rather than whole-lawn treatments.

4. Clopyralid (Stinger, Lontrel)

Clopyralid is a selective herbicide particularly effective against creeping perennials in the mint family, including Creeping Charlie. It’s absorbed through both leaves and roots, providing systemic control of the entire plant.

Apply at a rate of 0.25-0.5 oz per gallon of water in spring or fall when Creeping Charlie is actively growing. Add a non-ionic surfactant for best results. Clopyralid provides 80-90% control with proper application but may require a follow-up treatment for complete eradication.

Note that clopyralid has long soil residual activity and can affect sensitive plants like vegetables and ornamentals through compost or mulch from treated areas.

5. Glyphosate (Roundup, Rodeo)

Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that will kill Creeping Charlie but will also kill any surrounding grass or plants it contacts. It’s best for spot treatments in areas where complete vegetation control is acceptable.

Use a 2% solution (2.6 oz per gallon) and apply carefully to Creeping Charlie foliage. Glyphosate works best when applied in fall when plants are actively transporting nutrients to roots. It provides 90-95% control but may require multiple applications for complete eradication.

For lawn areas, consider using glyphosate only for complete renovation, followed by reseeding or sodding after the herbicide has broken down (typically 7-10 days).

6. Iron HEDTA (Fiesta, Iron-X)

Iron HEDTA is an organic herbicide that works by causing oxidative stress in broadleaf weeds. While not as effective as synthetic herbicides, it provides a safer alternative for Creeping Charlie control in areas where children and pets play.

Apply at a rate of 6-10 oz per gallon of water, covering all Creeping Charlie foliage. Repeat applications every 10-14 days until control is achieved. Iron HEDTA typically provides 50-60% control with multiple applications.

This herbicide works best on young, actively growing Creeping Charlie and is less effective on mature, established patches.

7. Fluroxypyr (Spotless, Vista)

Fluroxypyr is a selective herbicide that controls Creeping Charlie and other tough broadleaf weeds while being safe for most grasses. It’s particularly effective when mixed with other herbicides like triclopyr or 2,4-D.

Apply at a rate of 0.5-1 oz per gallon of water in spring or fall when Creeping Charlie is actively growing. Add a surfactant for best results. Fluroxypyr provides 75-85% control with proper application and typically requires a follow-up treatment.

This herbicide works well in cool spring temperatures when some other herbicides are less effective.

8. Aminocyclopyrachlor (Method, Imprelis)

Aminocyclopyrachlor is a professional-grade herbicide that provides excellent systemic control of Creeping Charlie. It’s absorbed through both leaves and roots, killing the entire plant.

Apply at 0.5-1 oz per gallon of water in spring or fall. This herbicide provides 90-95% control with a single application but is only available to licensed applicators in most areas.

Note that aminocyclopyrachlor has long soil residual activity and can affect sensitive plants, so careful application is essential.

9. Horticultural Vinegar (20-30% Acetic Acid)

Horticultural vinegar (stronger than household vinegar) can provide contact control of Creeping Charlie foliage. It works by desiccating plant tissues but doesn’t kill the roots, so repeated applications are necessary.

Apply undiluted 20-30% acetic acid vinegar directly to Creeping Charlie foliage on a sunny day. Reapply every 7-10 days until the weed is controlled. Vinegar provides about 40-50% control with multiple applications.

This organic option works best for small patches and requires careful application to avoid damaging desirable plants.

10. Quinclorac (Drive, Quinclorac 75DF)

Quinclorac is primarily a grass herbicide but can help control Creeping Charlie when mixed with other broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D or triclopyr. It provides an additional mode of action that enhances overall control.

Mix 0.5 oz quinclorac with 1 oz triclopyr per gallon of water and apply in fall. This combination can provide 80-90% control of Creeping Charlie with proper application.

Quinclorac is particularly useful in lawns where both grassy weeds and Creeping Charlie are problems.

Buyer Tips Guide for the Best Herbicide for Creeping Charlie

Selecting the right herbicide for Creeping Charlie requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are seven essential buyer tips to help you choose the most effective product:

1. Choose the Right Active Ingredient
Triclopyr is the most effective single ingredient against Creeping Charlie. For best results, look for products containing triclopyr alone or in combination with other herbicides like 2,4-D and dicamba.

2. Consider Application Timing
Fall (September-October) is the best time to treat Creeping Charlie, as plants are actively storing nutrients in their roots. Spring applications can also work but may require follow-up treatments.

3. Use Proper Mixing Ratios
Always follow label instructions for mixing rates. Adding a surfactant (1 tsp per gallon) helps herbicides adhere to Creeping Charlie’s waxy leaves and improves absorption.

4. Plan for Multiple Applications
Creeping Charlie often requires 2-3 applications spaced 10-14 days apart for complete control. The first application weakens the plant, while follow-up treatments kill regrowth.

5. Match Herbicide to Your Lawn Type
Some herbicides can damage certain grass types. Check product labels to ensure compatibility with your lawn grass before application.

6. Consider Environmental Factors
Avoid applying herbicides when rain is expected within 24 hours or when temperatures exceed 85°F. Ideal application conditions are calm days with temperatures between 60-80°F.

7. Combine Chemical and Cultural Controls
For long-term control, improve lawn health through proper mowing, fertilization, and aeration to prevent Creeping Charlie from re-establishing after herbicide treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, triclopyr-based herbicides provide the most effective control of Creeping Charlie, especially when applied in fall as part of a multi-treatment program.

For organic options, borax and iron HEDTA  Creeping Charlie herbicides  can provide partial control but require more frequent applications.

Always follow label instructions carefully when applying any herbicide.

Remember that complete eradication of Creeping Charlie often requires both herbicide treatment and cultural practices to maintain a thick, healthy lawn that resists weed invasion.