Creeping Jenny (also known as Lysimachia nummularia) is a low-growing, evergreen, perennial plant. It typically grows in shady, moist locations, such as along stream banks, the edges of ponds and lakes, and other damp areas.
It can also withstand some light foot traffic.
Creeping Jenny is popular due to its attractive, rounded green leaves and its ability to form attractive carpets of foliage. Its vibrant yellow flowers also make it desirable for landscaping purposes.
Creeping Jenny is used for ground cover in gardens, pathways, walkways, flower beds, and other areas. Its trailing stems and evergreen leaves help to suppress weeds and keep the soil from becoming too dry.
Its thick foliage also helps retain moisture during dry periods.
The plant is also used in aquatic habitats as an oxygenator, helping oxygen to circulate in ponds and lakes. Its roots help to bind cohesion between soil particles, preventing soil erosion.
Lastly, creeping Jenny is valued for its medicinal properties. The leaves and stems of the plant have traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, such as for treating wounds, sores, and boils.
Is creeping Jenny poisonous?
No, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is not poisonous. It is an ornamental herbaceous flowering plant, native to Europe, Asia and North America, and is grown as a ground cover in many gardens. Creeping Jenny is easy to grow and maintain, and is an important source of food and habitat for butterflies and other pollinators.
It is also valued for its dense foliage and ability to tolerate dry conditions. It is not known to have any toxic effects on people or animals.
Can creeping Jenny be in full sun?
Yes, creeping Jenny can be in full sun. In fact, many people prefer them to their attractive foliage in sunny conditions. This low-growing, mounding evergreen plant loves full sun and will thrive in warm, dry areas.
Creeping Jenny likes well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If planted in too much shade, the foliage may become leggy, which will reduce its dense, mat-forming appearance. When planted in full sun, the leaves take on a brilliant yellow-green color.
Keep in mind that when placed in full sun, creeping Jenny needs more watering than when it is in a shadier area. However, once it is established, it can tolerate some periods of drought. Creeping Jenny does best when planted in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
How do you use creeping Jenny as a ground cover?
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is an attractive and low-maintenance perennial ground cover that is ideal for invasive erosion control and moist, bare areas. It is an evergreen ground cover with intense yellow, bright green foliage and small, bright yellow flowers throughout the spring and summer months.
To use it as a ground cover, begin by planting it in early spring or fall in areas with moist, fertile soils and full to part shade. Amending the soil with compost and fertilizer can help the plant to establish more quickly.
Space the plants 6-12 inches apart in an area away from pathways, as the whorled leaves will spread outward and quickly form a dense mat. Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during establishment and dry periods, and deadhead the flowers as needed.
If positioned in full sun, the ground cover can suffer from significant wilting during the hottest parts of the day. Once the ground cover is established, very little care is needed. Keep an eye out for any troublesome weeds, and mulch the area lightly to discourage weeds and conserve moisture.
With proper care, Creeping Jenny can make an attractive, low-maintenance ground cover for years to come.
Will creeping Jenny choke out other plants?
Yes, creeping Jenny (also known as Lysimachia nummularia) can choke out other plants if it is left unchecked. When this vigorous perennial spreads its slender stems around other plants, it will eventually shade out or “choke out” the other, less hardy plants.
Creeping Jenny is an aggressive grower and can spread quickly if not kept in check. If you want to keep it from spreading too much, it’s important to keep up with periodic maintenance by trimming off parts of the plant or pulling out any stray stems that have wandered off the edge.
This is especially true for areas in full sun, as the plant grows more rapidly in that environment. You can also dig up some of the plant’s roots every 3-5 years to make sure that it’s not taking up too much of the soil’s nutrients.
Finally, adding organic soil amendment can help promote the growth of the other plants while allowing the creeping Jenny to remain in the garden without outgrowing its welcome.
How quickly does creeping Jenny spread?
Creeping Jenny, or Lysimachia nummularia, is a fast-spreading perennial groundcover plant. Its lush foliage and showy yellow flowers make it an attractive choice for many gardens. The leaves of creeping Jenny will root at their tips and the stems will root in the soil as well.
This allows the plant to spread quickly and easily. Under ideal conditions, creeping Jenny can spread up to 50 cm per year.
Creeping Jenny’s production of new runners can be increased by dividing the plant every two or three years. The severely divided plants should be replanted directly into soil, as they are a bit finicky and don’t transplant well.
Cutting back the runners will help to control the spread of the plant, if necessary.
All in all, creeping Jenny is a fast-spreading perennial groundcover. It can spread as far as 50 cm per year, and its production of new runners can be further increased by dividing the plants every two or three years.
Cutting back the runners can also help control its spread.
Is a creeping Jenny annual or perennial?
Creeping Jenny, or Lysimachia nummularia, is a perennial plant in the Primulaceae family. It is native to Europe and is a low-growing, mat-forming shrub with yellow or bright green, rounded leaves. The plants can reach up to 2 feet in height, and spreads rapidly by both rhizomes and ornamental runners.
Its small yellow flowers appear from mid to late summer and are followed by small round fruits. It is an attractive evergreen groundcover that can tolerate full sun to full shade, and grows in average to moist soils.
It is also tolerant of salt and drought, making it ideal for many landscaping uses. Creeping Jenny can be grown in zones 4-11.
Should I cut back creeping Jenny?
It depends on what you are trying to achieve with the creeping Jenny. It is an evergreen groundcover, so if you’re looking to fill in a large open space, then you may want to keep it relatively intact.
If you’re trying to create a more curated look and want to trim back the growth of the creeping Jenny, then you can do so. To do so, you’ll want to prune the stems and leaves during the growing season.
Cut back the stems to the desired height, just above a pair of buds. Depending on how much you need to cut back, you may need to do this several times during the growing season. When you’re done, you can pick off any dead leaves or flower heads to tidy up the plant.
At the end of the season, plan to remove any stems that die off or are damaged as this can encourage pest and disease outbreaks.
Does creeping Jenny turn brown in winter?
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is an evergreen perennial that can thrive in both warm and cold climates. It grows in partial to full shade in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, so it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and conditions.
Although it is tolerant of cold, it may appear brown when the temperature drops to 20°F (-6°C) or lower. This is not necessarily a sign of damage, as the leaves of the plant are very thin and do not retain heat well.
In fact, they are designed to conserve moisture, and as temperatures drop, they may become more stiff and brittle, which gives them an appearance of being more brown in color. Once temperatures rise again, the leaves will green back up as the plant rebounds.
With that said, if temperatures remain consistently low for an extended period of time, the plant’s roots may start to suffer. In this case, the plant may become severely damaged and die due to lack of sustenance.
Consequently, if temperatures in your area drop to 20°F (-6°C) or lower, you should take steps to protect your Creeping Jenny with mulch or other coverings to protect its roots from the cold.
Why are my creeping Jenny turning brown?
There could be several reasons why your creeping Jenny is turning brown. One of the most common is sun scorch. Creeping Jenny, like other plants, is sensitive to bright direct sunlight, particularly during summer when the plants are exposed to intense heat and bright sun for long periods of time.
When the plant is overexposed, the leaves tend to become dry and brown, sometimes with a crispy texture.
Other causes of browning can include overwatering, underwatering, too much fertilizer or a infestation of diseases or pests. Overwatering can promote fungal growth and lead to root rot, which will also cause it to turn brown and limp.
If you’re giving it too much fertilizer or under-watering, it can make the leaves start to yellow and brown.
If you see browning spots on the leaves and stems, it could be an indication of a disease or insect infestation. If the environment is too dry, it could cause fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. If you see small white spots on the leaves, it could be spider mites.
If you spot these issues, you should take action right away to treat these issues as soon as possible.
If possible, relocate your creeping Jenny to a more suitable spot with a bit more shade, adequate drainage and slightly moist soil. If you must keep the same spot, you can opt for raised beds or containers to ensure that water drainage is optimum.
What’s the difference between creeping Charlie and creeping Jenny?
The main difference between creeping Charlie and creeping Jenny lies in their appearance. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is an edible, low-growing, perennial plant with oval-shaped, scalloped leaves and small purple flowers.
In contrast, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) has round, flat, opposite leaves and yellow flowers. In addition, creeping Charlie has a more dense foliage that spreads out in a mat-like form whereas creeping Jenny has a more loose foliage that forms a clump.
Aside from these physical differences, creeping Charlie is fairly hardy, and can survive in a variety of soil conditions and light levels, whereas creeping Jenny prefers moist and well-drained soil with shade or partial sun.
The two plants can also be distinguished by their growth rate; creeping Charlie is a fast grower and can quickly spread through a garden, whereas creeping Jenny is more slow-growing with a slower spread.
Is creeping Jenny the same as creeping Charlie?
No, creeping Jenny and creeping Charlie are two different plants. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a low-maintenance groundcover native to Europe and parts of Asia, while creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a member of the mint family that is also often used as a groundcover.
Creeping Jenny has small round leaves and yellow flowers and grows to a height of around 3 inches, while creeping Charlie has round and slightly oval leaves and small purple flowers and grows slightly taller, to a height of up to 4 inches.
Both plants are highly invasive and can quickly spread out of control, so they should not be planted in areas where they can cross boundaries.
Is creeping Charlie good for anything?
Yes, Creeping Charlie, also known as Glechoma hederacea, has some beneficial uses. It is a creeping, ground cover plant, and is an attractive, low-maintenance option for a ground cover. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Creeping Charlie is said to have medicinal properties.
It has often been used in traditional and folk medicine as a diuretic, a treatment for urinary infections, and for digestive ailments and kidney issues. It is often used in tea for its mild astringent properties, and is often referred to as a “stomach soother.
” Furthermore, many gardeners use Creeping Charlie as a natural herbicide, as the plant has properties that can ward off other, more irritating weeds. All in all, Creeping Charlie has a variety of uses and can be a useful addition to any landscape.
How do I get rid of creeping Charlie and creeping Jenny?
Getting rid of creeping Charlie and creeping Jenny involves a combination of cultural and chemical control measures.
Culturally, you should remove any dead or damaged foliage and stems to help prevent them from spreading. Mowing and frequent trimming can help prevent weeds from seeding. Hand- pulling can also be effective if done regularly to keep their populations under control.
You should also improve the health of your turf or lawn by regularly fertilizing, watering, and aerating the soil. Thicker, healthier turf can reduce the amount of light that reaches the weeds and reduce their populations.
Chemically, you can use herbicides to control the spread of creeping Charlie and creeping Jenny. Pre-emergent herbicides should be used to prevent the germination of weed seeds. Post-emergent herbicides can be used to control actively growing weeds.
These products should be applied according to labeled instructions for best results. Be sure to wear protective clothing when applying chemical herbicides and always keep away from people and animals.
By combining proper cultural practices with weed control products, you can effectively reduce and manage populations of creeping Charlie and creeping Jenny.
What is the real name for creeping Charlie?
The real name for creeping Charlie is Glechoma hederacea. It is a member of the mint family and is native to Europe and North America. It is an evergreen perennial groundcover, growing between 2″ and 8″ tall.
The foliage is a deep green color and can have a slight purple edge to the leaves. The flowers are mauve or violet in color, and bloom in early spring. It prefers moist, shaded environments, and is commonly found in lawns, walkways and damp woodlands.
It is a low-maintenance plant and can be easily mowed or removed.
Does mowing spread creeping Charlie?
Mowing can help control the spread of creeping Charlie, but it won’t prevent it from spreading and is not recommended as the primary method of control. The best way to manage creeping Charlie is to use an integrated approach, including physical removal (pulling, digging, or tilling), herbicides, and healthy lawn maintenance practices.
Physical removal is a good method for controlling creeping Charlie, as it exposes the underground stems to light and air. Pull or dig out small areas of the weed and dispose the pulled material elsewhere.
If a large area of creeping Charlie infestation is found, it can be tilled several inches deep to expose the roots and prevent new seeds from germinating.
Herbicides can also be used to control creeping Charlie. Weed control products containing carfentrazone, MCPA, dicamba, or 2,4-D are most effective when applied to actively growing weeds as a spot treatment.
It is important to read and follow all product label instructions when using herbicides.
In addition to physical removal and herbicides, healthy lawn maintenance practices can be used to suppress creeping Charlie. Mow at the highest recommended blade height for the grass species, and use a sharp mower blade for a clean, even cut.
Healthy turf can outcompete creeping Charlie and restrict its spread. Optimizing soil fertility, fertilizing when needed, and irrigating can also help the turf compete more effectively and restrict the spread of creeping Charlie.
What kills creeping Charlie permanently?
Creeping Charlie, or also known as ground ivy, is an aggressive, perennial weed native to North America, Europe and Asia. While it does not have any natural predators, there are some methods that can be employed to effectively kill it, and prevent it from returning.
The most effective method to eliminate creeping Charlie is to spray the plant with an herbicide, such as one containing the active ingredients glyphosate, dicamba, or triclopyr. A concentratesolution should be mixed with a surfactant, such as a soap or spray oil, and applied directly to the foliage.
For best results, the herbicide should be applied on a sunny, calm day so there is no chance of rain or wind redistributing the solution. Re-application may be needed if new growth appears.
Another option to remove creeping Charlie is manual removal, but this is best done in small patches, or with young plants. To physically remove the plants, dig or pull out the roots by hand, or loosen the soil with a shovel and then pull out the roots.
It is important to remove as much of the plant, including the roots, to ensure that the plant does not grow back.
Once the plant has been removed, it is important to ensure that the conditions that allowed for its growth are addressed. Creeping Charlie prefers moist, shaded areas with low soil fertility; however, it can also thrive on disturbed soils with poor drainage.
Improve soil fertility with organic matter or fertilizer, establish or improve drainage, and look to add sun-loving plants to help shade out any residual roots. This will help guard against any remaining root structures re-sprouting.
Additionally, an annual herbicide application may be need to stop new growth.
Can Creeping Charlie make you sick?
No, Creeping Charlie (also known as ground ivy) is not known to make you sick. Creeping Charlie is an ornamental plant which is also known for its medicinal properties. The plant has been used to aid with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, indigestion, and kidney stones.
While it can cause skin irritation in some people, it will not make you sick. If you have ingested it, the worst you may experience is mild digestive upset.
While many animals, especially cats, may be attracted to Creeping Charlie, it is generally recognized as being safe for pets and animals to consume.
How many types of creeping Charlie are there?
There are three recognized species of creeping Charlie, also commonly known as ground ivy, in the species Glechoma. These three species are: Glechoma hederacea, Glechoma lupulina, and Glechoma longituba.
Glechoma hederacea is sometimes referred to as creeping Jenny or just plain old ground ivy and is most commonly found in North America and Europe. Its leaves are rounded and often have a scalloped margin with clusters of blue or light purple flowers.
Glechoma lupulina is similar in appearance to Glechoma hederacea but the leaf margin is less scalloped and the flowers are a deeper shade of purple. It is usually found in southeastern Asia and Japan.
The other species, Glechoma longituba, is native to China and is not as widely known as the others. It has larger and darker leaves that may have either a scalloped or toothed margin. The flowers are a dark purple hue.
Although all three species are sometimes referred to as creeping Charlie, Glechoma hederacea is by far the most common. All three species can be invasive and difficult to eradicate from gardens, lawns, and other areas where they are not wanted.