WELCOME TO OUR NEW LOOK WEBSITE! PLEASE HAVE A LOOK AROUND! NOTE MANY PLANTS HAVE NOT BEEN FULLY UPDATED YET BUT WE'RE GETTING THERE BIT BY BIT, BRINGING YOU MUCH RICHER INFORMATION WITH A MORE USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT:)
alehoof-plants-kahikatea-farm-nursery
alehoof-edible-leaves-kahikatea-farm

Certified Organic Plant

LEARN MORE ABOUT
HOW WE GROW YOUR PLANTS

LONG TERM OUT OF STOCK

SOLD OUT

OUT OF STOCK

AVAILABLE SPRING

AVAILABLE SUMMER

AVAILABLE AUTUMN

AVAILABLE WINTER

WINTER DORMANT

AVAILABLE SOON

Alehoof

Glechoma hederacea

$9.50

Also known as Ground Ivy or Creeping Charlie, this low growing stoloniferous perennial is a member of the mint family and hails from Eurasia but has naturalized worldwide, carried by European settlers. It forms an evergreen mat of small kidney or hoof-shaped leaves, which are slightly hairy. From late Spring the mat is topped by pretty blue-violet flowers typical of the mint family, and the whole plant has a fresh, minty aroma. Height to 10cm.

9cm pot

 

Cultivation

Suitable for part shade or full sun, preferring some moisture and normal to acid soil. In Hawke’s Bay it does much better in part or almost full shade.

Uses

A great groundcover plant, forming a dense mat. Used fresh, the plant is considered edible and nutritious in salads, and may be steamed as a potherb, but becomes rather flavourless. It was used in beer making for centuries (hence the name Ale – hoof) to flavour, clarify and preserve the brew but fell out of use as hops gained popularity. In the 18th century, beer brewed with ground ivy was known as ‘gill ale’ and was said to have medicinal properties. Alehoof has also been used in the cheese-making process as a substitute for animal rennet. The flowers, like all those in the mint family, are edible and very attractive to bees.

Medicinal Uses

Alehoof has been used traditionally as a medicine to treat eye infections, colds, flu, and congestion. Reportedly excellent for clearing up post-nasal drip.  The plant is also high in vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron, and protein.

Primary Actions: Diuretic, Astringent, Lymphatic

Parts Used: Leaf, flowers

Energetics: Cooling

History / Folklore / Further Info

Possibly toxic to livestock (especially horses), most probably not fatally toxic, and most likely only when it has been dried and baled – usually the minty smell of the leaves will deter them from eating it fresh.

It is considered invasive in some areas, especially by those who prefer having a pristine lawn rather than an edible garden! To be fair it has outcompeted some native species in the woodlands of some US states, although apparently it is often the variegated form which is more invasive.

Jo Says

Alehoof thrives in our damper seasons then flops completely in summer, looking like it’s going to die of thirst. But even after our worst droughts it still comes back, for which I give thanks, as I find it quite a tasty addition to salads and the pretty blue flowers are a joy.

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details. 

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Full list of shipping rates HERE

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have. 

Related Products

Related Products

Search Products