Gundermann or Gundelrebe is a spice and medicinal herb that is native to Europe and occurs in nutrient-rich soils. Occasionally it is grown in the garden to add greenery to shady areas, although there it can quickly become a pest. A short profile about the versatile plant.
What kind of plant is Gundermann?
Gundermann (Glechoma hederacea) is a versatile plant from the mint family that is used as a spice and medicinal herb. It grows in Europe and has round, green or variegated leaves, purple labial flowers and fruit clumps. Main flowering time is April/May.
Gundermann – a profile
- Other names: Gundelrebe, earth ivy, Huder, Gundelreif
- Botanical name: Glechoma hederacea
- Plant family: Mint family
- Distribution: Europe
- Leaves: green or variegated, rounded tapering
- Flowers: violet, up to 2.5 cm long, typical lip blossom
- Fertilization: monoecious, fertilization by insects
- Flowering period: April to July, main flowering period April / May
- Harvest time: April to August
- Fruit: Claus Fruit
- Propagation: runners, seeds
- Hardiness: hardy, evergreen
- Toxicity: not poisonous
- Cuisine use: salads, egg dishes, seasonings
- Use medicinal plant: kidney problems, abscesses, tumors etc.
- Use in the garden: ground cover, shady corners
Gundermann – related to thyme and basil
Gundermann is widely related to the better-known herbs thyme and basil. Similar to these, the Gundermann leaves also exude a slightly pungent, aromatic scent when rubbed between the fingers.
There are some similar plants such as the creeping gunsel, the red deadnettle, ivy or the small brownwort, which are often confused with the Gundermann.
The aromatic scent is typical. The gundel vine can also be identified by the size of the leaves and the shape of the flowers.
The fruit of the Gundermann is Klausen
Gundermann forms so-called hermit fruits after fertilization. They break down into four parts, each producing a single nut, the hermitage. It is covered with a slightly sticky film. As a result, it gets stuck on the fur of passing animals and multiplies the Gundermann in this way.
Gundermann is difficult to fight
The gundel vine forms very long, above-ground runners with which it spreads throughout the garden and also displaces the lawn.
Fighting it is not easy and requires a lot of manual work. So that other plants are not displaced and fungal diseases do not spread, Gundermann must be kept under control.
Tip
Gundermann has the function of a display plant in gardening and landscaping. Where the herb grows, the soil is very rich in nitrogen. That's why gundel vine is often found near the nettles, which also prefer nitrogen-rich soils.
