Chris Buckland
Creeping Charlie is an appealing plant that is sure to add to the vibe of your home, but there is much confusion between the real Creeping Charlie and other plants that share the same name.
When you search for Creeping Charlie houseplant, you usually come across multiple plant species with the same name.
The most notable plant species having Creeping Charlie as a common name are:
- Pilea Nummularifolia
- Glechoma hederacea, and
- Malva Sylvestris
Although they might share the same name, they all have distinct characteristics and usage.
This guide will discuss these three plant species and their distinguishing characteristics.
| Scientific name | Family | Common Names |
| Pilea Nummularifolia | Urticaceae | Swedish Ivy, Creeping Charlie |
| Glechoma hederacea | Lamiaceae | Ground Ivy, Catsfoot, Creeping Charlie, Field Balm |
| Malva Sylvestris | Malvaceae | Common Mallow, High Mallow, Tall Mallow, Creeping Charlie |
Pilea Nummularifolia – The Original Creeping Charlie
Pilea Nummularifolia – the real Creeping Charlie, with bright glossy green leaves and lavender flowers is a feast for the eyes. This lush succulent plant belongs to the Urticaceae family and is often known as Swedish Ivy.
But the funny thing is that It neither belongs to Sweden, nor it is much Ivy. Unlike its name, Swedish Ivy is native to the Caribbean and parts of South America. This edible plant is easy to grow indoors and looks quite attractive in hanging baskets. Although it trails beautifully as an indoor plant, growers consider it a weed when grown outdoors.
Characteristics of Pilea Nummularifolia
General Information:
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Pilea |
| Species | P. Nummulariifolia |
| Common Name | Swedish Ivy, Creeping Charlie |
| Cultivation | Humid Environment and Moist Soil Like Terrarium |
| Plant Growth Form | Perennial Herb, Climber, Vine & Liana |
| Mature Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Shape | Round to Oval |
| Leaf Shape | Ovate |
| Flower Color | Green, White |
| Invasiveness | Invasive |
| Native Distribution | West Indies to Peru |
| Origin | The Caribbean And Northern South America |
Why Does Creeping Charlie (Pilea Nummularifolia) Make A Good Houseplant?
Creeping Charlie houseplant is an excellent option for your home decor, and here’s why you should have it indoors:
Easy to Plant and Care
Creeping Charlie or Pilea Nummularifolia houseplant needs very little caring at the initial stage of growth. 5-6 hours of sunlight per day is enough for the plant to bloom.
Low Cost
Pilea Nummularifolia is not much expensive. If you are on a budget, fret not! This plant can propagate quickly by cuttings, and you can use any organic fertilizer for this plant.
Non-Toxic
This plant is non-toxic and can be a safe indoor plant option for your home. However, it can cause allergic reactions sometimes, so keep your pets and children away from the plant, just in case.
Ornamental Use
Pilea Nummularifolia is an ornamental plant and looks very attractive in a hanging basket with its leaves cascading down. Alternatively, you can use this plant as a ground cover, bedding plant, and good cover over stone walls as well.
Is it Edible?
Many houseplant owners question the edibility of this plant. We have good news for them as the NC State University declares the Creeping Charlie plant edible. The leaves of this plant are essential for making tea.
Health Benefits of Pilea Nummularifolia
Pilea Nummularifolia is quite beneficial for our health. It contains copper, iron, and vitamin C, which give it a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties.
Risks Associated with Pilea Nummularifolia
Although this plant has its share of benefits, there are certain risks associated with it as well. For example, it contains chemicals that might cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Furthermore, it is highly not recommended to be consumed during pregnancy and has proven to be fatal for horses and cattle.
There are two other well-known plants with Creeping Charlie as a common name: Glechoma hederacea and Malva Sylvestris. But there is a marked difference among them.
We have discussed these plant species and their characteristics below, so keep reading!
Glechoma Hederacea – The Aggressive Creeping Charlie
The Glechoma Hederacea variant of the Creeping Charlie houseplant is often an irritating weed taking over grassy lawns.
It would be misleading to call it a houseplant. However, it can grow in your home garden, but keeping it indoors? Not a good idea!
Glechoma hederacea belongs to the Lamiaceae family (mint family). Apart from Creeping Charlie, this evergreen plant with bluish-purple flowers is also commonly known as Ground Ivy, Catsfoot, and Field Balm.
Native to Europe, Glechoma hederacea is an aggressive weed with jagged leaves and comes under the category of invasive In North America.
Characteristics of Glechoma Hederacea
General Information
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Glechoma |
| Species | Glechoma Hederacea |
| Common Name | Ground Ivy, Catsfoot, Field Balm, Creeping Charlie |
| Size | 5-50cm Tall |
| Shape | Round, Kidney, Or Fan-Shaped |
| Leaf | 2-3 cm in Diameter |
| Petioles | 3-6 cm Long |
| Stem and Leaf | Square |
| Odor | Distinctive |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive |
| Origin | Native to Europe and parts of Asia |
Flowers of Glechoma Hederacea
| Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Shape | Funnel |
| Color | Blue, Bluish Violet to Lavender |
| Flowering Season | Spring |
Is It Edible?
Although this invasive weed is not of much use as a houseplant, it is edible. You can use Glechoma Hederacea for making tea. It is rich in copper, iron and also contains vitamin C in ample amounts.
As Glechoma Hederacea is not an indoor plant, we will skip right to its health benefits.
Health Benefits of Glechoma Hederacea
With all the hardship Glechoma Hederacea brings to the gardeners, it comes with multiple health advantages. The parts of the Glechoma Hederacea plant, such as leaf, stem, and foliage, are beneficial for human health.
It is used to treat many issues related to the mucous membranes of the ear, nose, and throat. Also, this weed is helpful for digestive system issues. Not only this, but it can be used as an eyewash to treat watery, itchy, and sore eyes.
Moreover, it is known to have diuretic properties and can soothe irritated skin and abscesses. Recent studies have also given it a thumbs-up for helping with jaundice, depression, palpitations, and being effective against cancerous red blood cells.
Who knew this invasive weed has so many life-saving properties!
Risks Associated with Glechoma Hederacea
With the countless benefits come a handful of risks!
Glechoma hederacea is known to be toxic to horses and can cause humans to have allergic reactions. It is definitely bad news for pregnant women, people with epilepsy, and kidney diseases. It should always be taken in small doses, as large quantities may cause liver damage.
This brings us to the last variant of Creeping Charlie, the Malva Sylvestris.
Malva Sylvestris – The Taller Creeping Charlie
Malva Sylvestris is a Biennial plant. It is occasionally known as the Creeping Charlie plant and grows faster to a height of 0.5 m. The flowers of this plant come in various colors such as reddish-purple, pinkish-purple with dark stripes, and bright mauve purple. Although it cannot be kept as a houseplant, its flowers do give the outdoors a picturesque look!
It is also commonly known as High Mallow or Tall Mallow and is native to western Europe, North Africa, and Asia. This invasive plant species grow well in meadows and fallow fields and can reach a height of 3-4 feet.
Malva Sylvestris have a distinct seed shape with a diameter of 5-7mm. A cheese wheel shape seed makes it unique among other plants. The seed turns brown or brownish green when ripe.
Characteristics of Plant
General Information
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Malva |
| Species | M. Sylvestris |
| Common Name | Common Mallow, High Mallow, Tall Mallow, Creeping Charlie |
| Size | 3-4 Feet High |
| Cultivation | Meadows, Hedgerows and In Fallow Fields. |
| Invasiveness | Invasive |
| Origin | Western Europe, North Africa, And Asia |
Leaves of Malva Sylvestris
| Shape | Round |
| Length | 2-4 cm |
| Diameter | 2-5 cm and 5-10 cm |
Flowers of Malva Sylvestris
| Color | Reddish Purple, Pinkish Purple with Dark Stripes, Bright Mauve Purple |
| Cluster | Axillary |
| Triangular Calyx | 3-6 mm Long |
| Ovate Calyx | 5-7 mm Long |
Fruit of Malva Sylvestris
| Fruit | Reticulate |
| Diameter | 5-6 mm |
Seeds of Malva Sylvestris
| Color | Brown or Brownish Green When Ripe |
| Length | 2-5 mm Long |
| Diameter | 5-7 mm |
| Shape | Cheese Wheel |
Is It Edible?
Flowers, leaves, and seeds of the Malva Sylvestris are edible, and you can use them for making herbal tea.
Health Benefits with Malva Sylvestris
Just like the previous two Creeping Charlie plants, the Malva Sylvestris plant also has several health benefits. It has the ability to heal wounds, protect against infections, provide relief from insect bites and help with respiratory and digestive issues. It has also proven to be good for treating insomnia and headaches.
Risks Associated with Malva Sylvestris
Although not many risks are associated with this plant, it can interact with other medicines and cause issues. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your doctor before incorporating it into your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much sun does a Creeping Charlie plant need?
The amount of sun that creeping Charlie plant needs is medium. It does not like to be in full sun for long periods of time. If the creeping Charlie plant does not get enough light, it will begin to stretch towards the light. It also grows much slower if it does not have enough light.
Creeping Charlie plant should be grown in part shade or dappled sunlight. A plant grown in shade will be shorter, bushier, and more colorful than a plant grown in full sun.
Is Creeping Charlie a good houseplant?
Creeping Charlie is a great addition to any home or office and can be combined with other plants in potting arrangements, garden beds, and planters. They can also be used as a stand-alone ground cover.
How long does creeping Charlie plant live?
Creeping Charlie is a plant that can live for 2 to 3 years. The plant thrives in well-drained soil―preferably rich in organic matter. It will grow in the sun or partial shade.
Conclusion
Now you know that the real Creeping Charlie is a visually stunning indoor plant with blooming lavender flowers and bright green leaves. In comparison, the other variants are just invasive weeds with the same name that cannot be kept indoors. However, all three Creeping Charlies are excellent for our health if taken in safe amounts.
So, enjoy good health and the blend of stunning colors Creeping Charlie brings to your home by getting the houseplant and not the weeds!
