Gundermann or Gundelrebe is a small herb that is very inconspicuous outside of the flowering period. Confusion with other plants happens more often. Since Gundermann is not poisonous and is even used as a medicinal herb, a mix-up is not so tragic. How to distinguish similar plants from Gundermann.
How do I distinguish Gundermann from similar plants?
Gundermann can be distinguished from similar plants such as ivy, gunsel, small brownwort and red deadnettle by its flower color, flowering time and growth habit. While Gundermann grows creeping and has blue-purple labial flowers from March to June, other plants have different characteristics.
Gunderman and similar plants
There are a number of plants that are very similar to the Gundermann at first glance. Often just a closer look at the leaves, flowers and growth habit helps. The flowering time can also be a clue.
Similar plants to Gundermann are:
- Ivy
- Günsel
- Little Brownelle
- Red deadnettle
Gundermann, the creeping ivy
Gundelvine is also called creeping ivy because the leaves look very similar to those of the climbing plant. However, they are much smaller. Gundermann can sometimes climb up a plant in very shady locations. In contrast, ivy climbs many meters up walls and trees.
Ivy has a very inconspicuous, yellowish-white flower. Gundermann attracts attention with its blue-violet lip flowers, which appear from March to June.
How to distinguish Gundermann from Günsel and Kleiner Braunelle
Creeping Günsel is most often confused with Gundermann. However, it is much smaller and also has more delicate flowers. Furthermore, the main flowering period of Gundermann falls in the months of March and April and then weakens. Günsel blooms from April to May.
The Little Brownelle only begins to bloom in June and continues to produce new flowers until October. The inflorescences differ in that they stand upright and form small cobs.
Often the plants without flowers can only be distinguished by experienced gardeners when they are placed directly next to each other.
Differences to red deadnettle
The flowers of the red deadnettle have a similar shape and color to those of the groundwort. They are smaller at the top but wider at the bottom. The clearest difference between red dead nettle and Gundermann is the upright growth of the nettle, while the Gundel vine is a creeping plant.
Tip
Gundermann can become a real pest in the garden as it spreads almost unhindered. Combating it is very complex and requires a lot of manual work and a lot of patience.
