By creeping and spreading, ground ivy forms dense patches. Although this perennial is found most often in shaded areas, it thrives equally well in full sunlight. Leaves are round, scalloped along the edge, heavily veined and rough on the upper surface. They appear opposite each other on long, trailing, square-shaped stems. Wherever these junctions touch the ground, ground ivy takes root, and new branches or runners are formed. Flowers are purplish-blue and have the typical trumpet shape of plants in the mint family. In some areas ground ivy is used as a ground cover.