It must be one of the little weeds that everyone has probably seen at some point. But being small, it doesn't catch much attention. That's how it was with me anyway. A few years ago, I was admiring all the spring blooming weeds (daisies, dandelions, nettles, clovers...) on a lawn that had not been trimmed for a while when I noticed the purple flowers. So insignificant from a distance, but so pretty when checked up close.
Later, I found the name, and now I cannot forget it :) It is quite a nice weed to have around.
Glechoma hederacea
Commonly known as Ground ivy (or Bluszczyk kurdybanek in Polish, which name I find quite adorable).
It can grow up to 20 cm, but usually it stays much closer to the ground, creating lush, green carpets with thousands of purple flowers.
It is a perennial plant and grows from seeds as well as spreading through roots. It will slowly crawl on the ground, growing more and more new stems that will root and bloom from spring to summer.
I noticed it likes to grow among grasses in partial shade and where it has enough water. It can be found all over Europe.
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Pretty, small purple flowers loved by all kids of insects.
And why is it so cool to have it around? Well, besides the fact the fact that the bees and bumblebees love them, the plant is good for us too.
The plant was largely used to clear headaches, congestion, coughs, and colds. An infusion of the herb or the expressed juice was also used to treat eye disease or injury.
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You can add it to cooked food like scrambled eggs or to salads. It can be chopped and mixed with cottage cheese to make a nice bread spread.
Or make tea if you like. I also heard people using it to make liquor.
Basically, it's free, zero-maintenance food.
Just remember to check three times before you pick any wild plant. Also, pick them up in clean areas away from roads or peeing dogs.
It has been growing like this in a few parts of the garden, and it looks just so lovely!
This little guy knows what's good for him :)
Bonus dandelion. Because there is never enough of dandelions (another free food plant).
Lastly a lovely, old graphic:
image source
Shot with Nikon D5500 + Sigma 105mm lens
All photos and text are my own.
