Herbicide for creeping charlie. - Ask Extension
Hello, Is there an herbicide that will kill creeping charlie in my lawn without killing the grass? I have tried broadleaf weed killers such as Weed-Be...
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Herbicide for creeping charlie. #910445
Asked July 18, 2025, 7:50 PM EDT
Hello, Is there an herbicide that will kill creeping charlie in my lawn without killing the grass? I have tried broadleaf weed killers such as Weed-Be-Gon (2,4 D ?) but it has no effect. I have tried to control it by slowly and painstakingly pulling it out along with the stolons (sp?) only to have it reappear year after year. Also, my knees protest this activity. I appreciate this plants tenacity, blue flowers and interesting leaves but not enough to want it in my yard. Too bad I can't teach rabbits or other animals to selectively eat it.
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Creeping charlie is invasive and, as you are experiencing, can be difficult to eradicate. Hand removal, combined with chemical control, is recommended. I have included an informational link below. As you will read, 2,4 D is not effective in controlling it. Herbicides containing triclopyr are can manage. The best time for application is late in the fall and early spring. When purchasing an herbicide, confirm it lists it is used for creeping charlie. When using it is important to follow the instructions on the bottle.
https://extension.umn.edu/weeds/ground-ivy
https://extension.umn.edu/weeds/ground-ivy
Thank you very much.
Keith
On 07/20/2025 9:29 PM CDT Ask Extension wrote:
