Ivy can be a beautiful plant as it creeps across fences, up walls, and through gardens. However, ivy can also be categorized as a weed, and there are some dangers of ground ivy.

Identifying Ground Ivy

Ground ivy, also known as creeping Charlie, can be found in most, shaded areas. Look for it along fences, around farms, and near streams. You’ll see its slender four-sided stems along the ground. The raised, rounded leaves have scallop-like teeth biting through large areas of lawns and pastures. In the spring and early summer you may also notice it’s small blue flowers.

Dangers of Ground Ivy

As pretty as ivy may look, it can cause some problems, especially on farms. Ground ivy contains a volatile, aromatic oil and a bitter chemical substance. Putting animals out to pasture—where the ivy thrives—runs the risk of having them ingest the poisonous weed. Some dried ivy can also make its way into hay or feed. While most animals are turned off by the bitter taste of ground ivy, there’s still a chance they may eat too much. Horses are usually the animals affected, and only after eating large quantities of ivy.

There are certain signs that animals may have overindulged on ground ivy. Excessive slobber and sweat, dilated pupils, and panting could be an indication of poisoning. Thankfully, these cases are rarely fatal, but farmers and animal lovers should still take precautions.

In order to limit exposure, animals should not be allowed to graze in areas infested with ground ivy. Hay should also not be made in these meadows. Pay extra attention during the seasons when the pastures are dry and food sources are scarce.

Controlling Ground Ivy

Since ground ivy is considered a weed, it should be treated like one. When it comes to weed control, remember to use a safe method if it’s in an area where animals graze. Catching it early will help keep the infestation to a minimum, thus keeping your animals healthy.