Purple flower weeds are a common sight in many gardens and yards. While some people consider them a nuisance, others appreciate their beauty and ability to attract pollinators. Whether you love or hate them, there’s no denying that purple flower weeds can add a touch of color and interest to any landscape.
This guide looks at 8 of the most popular purple flower weeds. We’ll discuss their appearance, growing conditions, and how to control them. We’ll also provide tips for using purple flower weeds in your garden.
8 Popular Purple Flower Weeds
- Creeping Charlie
- Forget-Me-Nots
- Violet Woodsorrel
- Purple Dead Nettle
- Black Nightshade
- Canada Thistle
- Wild Violets
- Spotted Knapweed
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea):
Creeping Charlie is a low-growing, spreading plant with heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers. It’s a common weed in lawns and gardens and can be difficult to control. However, it’s also a beautiful plant that can create a ground cover or border.
Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis sylvatica):
Forget-Me-Nots are small, delicate flowers with blue or purple petals. They’re a popular garden flower, and they’re also often used in bouquets. Forget-Me-Nots are easy to grow and care for and a great addition to any garden.
Violet Woodsorrel:
A perennial plant with heart-shaped leaves and pink or purple flowers. It is native to North America and is found in moist areas such as meadows, woodlands, and stream banks. It is edible and has a sour taste.
Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum):
Purple Dead Nettle is a low-growing plant with heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers. It’s a common weed in gardens and lawns but also a beneficial plant that attracts pollinators. Purple Dead Nettle is easy to grow and care for and can be used as a ground cover or border.
Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum):
Black Nightshade is a tall, vining plant with purple flowers. It’s a common weed in gardens and fields and can be poisonous if eaten. However, Black Nightshade is also a medicinal plant used for centuries to treat various ailments.
Canada Thistle:
An invasive plant with purple flowers and prickly leaves. It is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced to North America in the 1600s. It is a noxious weed that can crowd out native plants and reduce biodiversity.
Wild Violets (Viola odorata):
Wild Violets are small, fragrant flowers with purple petals. They’re a common sight in meadows and woodlands and are often used in floral arrangements. Wild Violets are easy to grow and care for and are a great addition to any garden.
Spotted Knapweed:
An invasive plant with purple flowers and spotted leaves. It is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced to North America in the 1800s. It is a noxious weed that can crowd out native plants and reduce biodiversity.
What are the tall weeds with purple flowers called?
Weed Name | Scientific Name |
---|---|
Purple Loosestrife | Lythrum salicaria |
Common Burdock | Arctium minus |
Wild Chicory | Cichorium intybus |
Tall Verbena | Verbena bonariensis |
Canadian Thistle | Cirsium arvense |
How Can I Control Purple Flower Weeds
There are many ways to control purple flower weeds, including:
Pulling
This is the most effective way to control small numbers of purple flower weeds. Be sure to pull the entire plant, including the roots.
Hand-weeding:
This is a more labor-intensive method of controlling purple flower weeds, but it can be effective for larger areas.
Mulching
Mulch can help to smother purple flower weeds and prevent them from germinating.
Herbicides
Herbicides can be used to control purple flower weeds, but they should be used with caution. Some herbicides can harm native plants and wildlife.
Biocontrol
Biocontrol agents, such as insects or bacteria, can be used to control purple flower weeds. These agents are often more effective than herbicides and do not harm native plants or wildlife.
Creeping Charlie Weeds With Purple Flowers
Creeping Charlie, or ground ivy or Glechoma hederacea, is a common weed with purple flowers. An invasive plant can quickly spread and take over lawns and gardens if not properly controlled. Here’s some information on dealing with creeping, Charlie:
Manual Removal
If you only have a few patches of creeping Charlie, you can try removing them by hand. Wear gloves and pull the weed out from the base to get as much of the root system as possible. This method may be effective for small infestations but can be time-consuming and challenging for extensive areas.
Mowing and Trimming
Regularly mowing your lawn and keeping the grass at a healthy height can help suppress the growth of creeping Charlie. It will prevent the weed from flowering and producing seeds, limiting its spread.
Herbicides
Herbicides can be an effective option for controlling creeping Charlie, especially for larger infestations. Look for a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds while sparing the surrounding grass. Broadleaf herbicides containing active ingredients such as dicamba, 2,4-D, or triclopyr are commonly used for controlling creeping Charlie. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, as improper use can harm desirable plants.
Thatch Control
Creeping Charlie thrives in areas with thick thatch, a layer of dead grass and other organic matter accumulating on the soil surface. Regularly dethatching your lawn can help prevent the weed from taking hold and spreading.
Lawn Care Practices
Maintaining a healthy lawn can help prevent the establishment of creeping Charlie. This includes proper watering, fertilizing, and overseeding to promote dense grass growth, which can help choke out weeds.
Little Purple Flower Weeds In Grass
Common Violet (Viola sororia):
Common violets are small perennial weeds that produce purple flowers. They often have heart-shaped leaves and can spread rapidly in lawns.
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule):
Henbit is an annual weed that features small purple flowers and square stems. It commonly appears in lawns and other disturbed areas.
Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum):
Similar to henbit, purple deadnettle is an annual weed with small purple flowers. It has triangular-shaped leaves and is often found in lawns and gardens.
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris):
Self-heal is a perennial weed that produces small purple flowers in dense spikes. It can be found in lawns, meadows, and other open areas.
Problems Caused by Purple Flower Weeds
Purple flower weeds can cause some problems, including:
- They can crowd out native plants and disrupt the natural balance of an ecosystem.
- Some purple flower weeds are poisonous and can cause health problems if ingested.
- Some purple flower weeds can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them.
- In large numbers, purple flower weeds can make an area look unsightly.
Tips for Preventing Purple Flower Weeds
Inspect your Property Regularly
Make it a habit to regularly inspect your lawn and garden for any new purple flower weeds. When you spot them, remove them promptly to prevent them from spreading.
Transport Purple Flower Weeds
Avoid introducing purple flower weeds to your yard by being mindful of the plants or soil you bring from other areas. Before adding new plants or materials to your property, check for any weed presence.
Water your lawn and garden regularly
Consistent watering will promote the health of your desired plants and make it more challenging for purple flower weeds to establish themselves.
Mulch your lawn and garden:
Apply a layer of mulch around your plants and over bare soil areas. Mulch helps suppress weed growth, including purple flower weeds, by smothering them and preventing germination.
Tips for Using Purple Flower Weeds in Your Garden
Purple flower weeds can be used in various ways in your garden. They can be used as:
- Ground covers
- Borders
- Cut flowers
- Edibles
- Medicinal plants
When choosing purple flower weeds for your garden, it’s important to consider each plant’s size and growth habits. Some purple flower weeds, such as Creeping Charlie, can be invasive and difficult to control. Others, such as Wild Violets, are well-behaved and can be used in various settings.
Frequently Asked Question
What are purple flower weeds? |
Purple flower weeds are a plant not native to a particular area and can become invasive. Their purple flowers can often identify them, but many different types of purple flower weeds exist. |
How do purple flower weeds spread? |
Purple flower weeds can spread by seed, by root, or by breaking off and re-rooting. They can also be spread by animals or people who transport them unknowingly. |
How do I identify purple flower weeds? |
They can have a variety of appearances, but some common features include purple flowers, heart-shaped leaves, and a sticky sap. |
How do I get rid of purple flower weeds? |
There are a number of ways to get rid of purple flower weeds, including pulling them by hand, using herbicides, or smothering them with mulch. |
What are the benefits of getting rid of purple flower weeds? |
Getting rid of purple flower weeds can improve the appearance of your garden, lawn, or other area. It can also help to prevent the spread of weeds to other areas. |
What are the risks of not getting rid of purple flower weeds? |
Purple flower weeds can compete with desirable plants for water and nutrients. They can also harbor pests and diseases. If left unchecked, they can quickly take over an area. |
Final Thoughts
Purple flower weeds are a diverse group of plants that can add beauty and interest to any garden. With a little care, they can be easy to grow and maintain. Purple flower weeds are a great option if you want to add color and character to your garden.