How to identify Creeping charlie (Pilea nummulariifolia)

How to identify Creeping charlie (Pilea nummulariifolia)

Creeping charlie, also known as Aaron's beard, Swedish ivy

Creeping charlie exhibits a lush, mat-forming growth habit, characterized by its vibrant, oval-shaped leaves. Each leaf typically measures around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length, and features delicately scalloped edges and a glossy, medium green surface. The foliage has a distinctive crinkly appearance, attributed to the pattern of sunken veins. Its fleshy stems, which span outward, have the capacity to root at nodes when in contact with soil. Small and often overlooked, creeping charlie's bloom presents as white to pinkish flowers.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Creeping charlie

Lush mat-forming growth habit with oval-shaped leaves (1-2 inches or 2.5-5 cm).

Distinctively crinkled leaves with sunken veins and glossy, medium green surface.

Small, inconspicuous flowers ranging from white to pinkish.

Fruit characterized by small green achenes less than 0.2 inches (5 mm).

Reddish stems with thin structure, rooting at nodes for propagation.

Detailed Traits of Creeping charlie

Leaf Features

The leaves of creeping charlie are bright green, round to oval, measuring approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide. They have small scalloped edges and deeply wrinkled surfaces with notched tips. The veins appear sunken, creating a distinctive puffy, crinkled texture between them. These features give the leaves a unique and easily recognizable appearance.

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Flower Features

The flowers of creeping charlie are small and insignificant, ranging from cream to greenish in color. They typically form in clusters, each flower measuring approximately 0.1 inches (2-3 mm) across. The petals, if present, are usually inconspicuous, with a somewhat tubular shape. These flowers lack a notable scent and bloom throughout the year, often going unnoticed due to their subtle appearance. Despite their understated nature, they play a crucial role in the overall reproductive cycle of the plant.

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Stem Features

The stem of creeping charlie is distinguished by its reddish hue and delicate texture. It possesses a moderately thin structure, typically about 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) in diameter. The stem tends to root at the nodes, facilitating propagation and growth. Branching is frequent and occurs at the nodes, creating a spreading, mat-like growth pattern. These reddish stems are usually smooth and may slightly thicken at the points where they root.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of creeping charlie is characterized by small green achenes. Achene, a type of simple dry fruit, maintains a close resemblance to seeds but differs as it's encapsulated in a hard outer coating connected to the ovary wall. Typically, these fruits are less than 0.2 inches (around 5 mm) in diameter, bearing a modest size. The exterior of the achene presents a smooth texture, with a shape that can be ovoid to slightly oblong. These key characteristics make the fruit distinct for the species, providing a subtle yet identifiable aspect of creeping charlie.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Creeping charlie and Their Similar Plants

Artillery plant vs. Creeping charlie: What's The Difference?

The artillery plant is often utilized as a groundcover or an ornamental in many landscapes. It's commonly named the "artillery plant" because the males generally produce pollen in an explosive way. It grows best in a humid environment in partial shade or indirect sunlight. It's a particularly popular plant in indoor rock gardens.

Aluminum plant vs. Creeping charlie: What's The Difference?

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Clearweed vs. Creeping charlie: What's The Difference?

Aptly named for its translucent stem, clearweed is an annual edible plant in the nettle family. This small plant grows in clumps and colonies in moist, shady woods and forests. Also known as Pilea pumila, it has distinctive leaves and small yellowish green flowers.

Friendship plant vs. Creeping charlie: What's The Difference?

Friendship plant is a charming houseplant native to South America. Its round, deeply textured leaves are a striking shade of green, accented with silver veins that shimmer in the light. The friendship plant is easy to care for and propagates quickly, making it a popular choice for sharing with friends. It is believed to bring good luck and positive energy to those who care for it, making it a delightful addition to any home.

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Key Facts About Creeping charlie

Attributes of Creeping charlie

Lifespan

Perennial

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Green

Fruit Color

Brown

Stem Color

Green

Brown

Leaf type

Evergreen, Semi-evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Creeping charlie

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Nettle

Genus

Clearweed

Species

Creeping charlie (Pilea nummulariifolia)

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Distribution Map of Creeping charlie

Creeping charlie is a plant with a natural range across significant portions of tropical regions in the Americas. Its presence has spread, being introduced to parts of Asia. Additionally, creeping charlie has been cultivated outside its native range, showcasing its adaptability to various environments, although specific cultivation details remain general.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Creeping charlie

A Comprehensive Guide to Creeping charlie How to Grow and Care for Creeping charlie