11 Weeds with Purple Flowers: Identification and Removal Tips

Last Updated on May 16, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

If you have a garden, then you know that weeds can be a huge problem. They can take over your plants and flowers, and they are difficult to get rid of. One type of weed that can be particularly troublesome is the weed with purple flowers.

This weed is hard to identify and even harder to remove. In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify the weed with purple flowers and provide tips for removing it from your garden!

Weeds with Purple Flowers

1. Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum).

1 weeds with purple flowers black nightshade

This pesky weed can be found in gardens, landscapes, and even potted plants. The black nightshade is a annual herb that grows up to two feet tall. It has small, dark green leaves and produces small white or purple flowers.

This weed is often confused with the edible nightshade (Solanum lycopersicum), but the black nightshade is poisonous. If ingested, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The best way to remove black nightshade is to pull it up by the roots. Make sure to wear gloves when handling this weed as the sap can cause skin irritation.

If the weed has already gone to seed, you can dig up the entire plant and dispose of it in the trash. Be sure to check your garden regularly for this weed as it can quickly take over.

2. Canada Thistle or Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense).

2 weeds with purple flowers cirsium arvense

This perennial weed has a deep root system that can make removal difficult. The leaves are dark green and have a spiny margin. The flowers are purple and grow in clusters. Canada thistle can spread quickly, so early detection and removal is important.

To remove Canada thistle, first cut the plant down to ground level. Then carefully dig up the root system and dispose of it. You may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove the weed. Canada thistle is a tough weed, but with persistence you can get rid of it!

3. Common Thistle/Spear Thistle/Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare).

3 weeds with purple flowers bull thistle

This is a very common weed in North America. It has purple flowers and can grow to be quite tall (up to six feet). The leaves are prickly and the stem is covered in spines. If you touch it, you will definitely know it!

This weed can be found in fields, along roadsides, and in gardens. While it is not the most pleasant weed to look at, it is actually quite pretty when in bloom.

If you have this weed in your garden, the best way to remove it is to pull it up by the root. You can also dig it up, but be sure to get all of the roots. If you leave even a small piece of the root in the ground, it will grow back. You can also use a weed killer, but be careful not to get any on your other plants.

If you see this weed growing in the wild, you can leave it be. It is actually quite beneficial to wildlife, providing food and shelter for many animals. So unless it is causing problems in your garden, there is no need to remove it.

4. Creeping Charlie or Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea).

4 weeds with purple flowers ground ivy glechoma hederacea

Creeping Charlie is a low-growing, spreading weed that has shiny, dark green leaves with scalloped edges. The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. The small flowers are usually blue or purple and bloom in spring and summer.

This pesky weed can be found in lawns, gardens, and other areas where there is moist soil. Creeping Charlie is difficult to control because it produces a lot of seeds and can also spread vegetatively by rooting at the leaf nodes.

To get rid of Creeping Charlie, you’ll need to be diligent in your removal efforts. Try these tips:

-Pulling: This is the most common method of removal for small patches of Creeping Charlie. Be sure to get the entire root system so the plant doesn’t grow back.

-Digging: For larger patches of Creeping Charlie, you may need to dig up the plants. This is a good option if you want to replant the area with something else.

-Mulching: Covering the area with mulch can help prevent Creeping Charlie from growing back.

-Herbicides: There are a number of herbicides that will kill Creeping Charlie. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and take care not to damage other plants in the area.

5. Dove’s-Foot Crane’s-Bill (Geranium molle).

5 weeds with purple flowers doves foot geranium

Dove’s-Foot Crane’s-Bill is a weed with purple flowers that commonly invades gardens. It is a member of the Geraniaceae family and is native to Europe. The plant has a long taproot and grows to about 20 cm in height. The leaves are deeply lobed and the flowers have five petals.

The best time to remove Dove’s-Foot Crane’s-Bill is in the spring or fall. The plant can be pulled by hand or dug up with a shovel. If the taproot is broken, it will resprout.

To prevent Dove’s-Foot Crane’s-Bill from spreading, remove all of the flowers and seed heads before they have a chance to mature. Dispose of the plant material in a plastic bag and put it in the trash.

Mulching with an organic material, such as wood chips or straw, can also help to prevent the weed from spreading. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the base of trees and shrubs so that it does not promote fungal diseases.

With a little effort, you can keep your garden free of Dove’s-Foot Crane’s-Bill and other weeds. By following these tips, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy garden all season long.

6. Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis sylvatica).

6 weeds with purple flowers myosotis sylvatica wood forget me not

These pretty little weeds are often found in gardens and lawns. They have small, blue or purple flowers and can reach a height of up to 12 inches. The leaves are alternate, lance-shaped, and have a hairy surface.

Forget-Me-Nots are native to Europe but have been introduced to North America, where they are now common. They are considered an invasive species in some areas.

To remove Forget-Me-Nots, you can dig them up or pull them out by hand. If they are growing in a garden bed, you can also use a hoe to loosen the soil and then pull them out. You may need to repeat this process several times to get all the roots.

You can also try using a weedkiller, such as glyphosate. Be sure to follow the directions on the label and take care not to damage any desirable plants.

If you have Forget-Me-Nots in your lawn, you can use a lawnmower or string trimmer to cut them down. Be sure to mow often so the weeds don’t have a chance to flower and set seed. You may also need to reseed your lawn to get rid of any bald spots.

7. Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule).

7 weeds with purple flowers henbit

This common annual weed is often found in gardens and landscapes. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 18 inches in height. The leaves are triangular shaped and have scalloped edges. The flowers are small and lavender in color. Henbit blooms from late spring to early summer.

Henbit is relatively easy to control. Hand-pulling is the best method to remove this weed. Be sure to pull up the entire plant, roots and all. You can also use a hoe or trowel to dig up henbit plants.

If you have a large infestation of this weed, you may need to use herbicide. Look for products that contain the active ingredient glyphosate. Apply the herbicide to the leaves of the plant and be sure to follow all label directions.

8. Musk Thistle or Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans).

8 weeds with purple flowers carduus nutans

This thistle can be found in pastures, meadows, and roadsides. It is a biennial plant, meaning it takes two years to complete its life cycle. The first year the plant grows leaves from a rosette close to the ground.

The second year the plant sends up a flowering stalk that can grow up to six feet tall. Musk thistle has purple flowers that are clustered at the top of the stalk. Each flower is made up of many smaller florets.

The bracts (leaves) underneath each flower are spiny. This plant reproduces by seed. One plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds that can remain viable in the soil for up to ten years.

Musk thistle is considered a noxious weed in many states due to its ability to crowd out native plants. It is also poisonous to livestock if they eat large quantities of it.

The best time to control musk thistle is during the rosette stage in the first year of growth or when the plant is flowering in the second year. Removal of this weed by hand is possible but time-consuming.

Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin from the spines on the leaves. Another option for removal is herbicide treatment.

Glyphosate (Roundup) is effective when applied to young plants in the spring before they flower. As with any herbicide, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

9. Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum).

9 weeds with purple flowers lamium purpureum

Purple dead nettle is a flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to Europe and Asia. It is an annual herb with square, hairy stems and opposite, toothed leaves.

The flowers are borne in whorls of six and are two-lipped, purplish-pink or lilac in color. Purple Dead Nettle is often found in disturbed habitats such as roadsides, gardens, and waste areas.

This weed is easy to identify by its square stems and opposite leaves that are attached directly to the stem (no stalk). The upper leaves have a purple tinge and are slightly hairy while the lower leaves are green. The flowers grow in clusters of six and are two-lipped with purple, lilac, or pinkish petals.

Purple dead nettle is not very competitive and is often found in disturbed habitats such as gardens, waste areas, and roadsides.

The best time to control this weed is before it flowers in late spring/early summer. Hand-pulling or hoeing can be effective, but make sure to remove the entire plant including the root. Herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr can also be used to control purple dead nettle.

10. Selfheal or Healall (Prunella vulgaris).

10 weeds with purple flowers self heal

This is a perennial that can grow up to 12 inches tall. The leaves are lance-shaped with serrated edges and the flowers are small, tubular, and lavender in color. The plant blooms from June to August.

Selfheal is found in damp, shady areas such as woods or along streams. It is a native plant to Europe and Asia but can now be found in North America.

The plant is edible and has a variety of medicinal uses. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and are often used in salads. The flowers can be used to make tea.

Selfheal is easy to grow from seed or division. It does not tolerate drought or full sun. The plant can spread aggressively and is considered invasive in some areas.

To remove selfheal, dig up the plants or pull them up by the roots. You can also mow the plants before they flower to prevent seed production. herbicides are not effective on this plant.

11. Wild Violets (Viola Odorata)

11 weeds with purple flowers violets

Wild violets are one of the most common weeds in North America. These pesky plants can be found in nearly every lawn and garden, and they’re especially difficult to get rid of once they’ve taken root.

While wild violets may be pretty to look at, don’t let their beauty fool you – these plants are a serious menace. Not only do they crowd out other plants and flowers, but they also spread rapidly and are very difficult to control.

If you’re dealing with a wild violet infestation, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. First, try pulling them up by the roots. This is often the most effective method, but it can be time-consuming.

If pulling them up isn’t working, you can try using a herbicide. Be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions, as herbicides can be dangerous if used improperly.

With a little patience and perseverance, you should be able to get rid of those pesky wild violets for good!

What are the tall weeds with purple flowers called?

The tall weeds with purple flowers are called mullein. Mullein is a member of the figwort family Scrophulariaceae. The plant is also known as hag’s taper and candlewick. Mullein grows in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

The leaves and flowers of the plant have been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Mullein is thought to be effective in treating respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.

The plant is also used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Mullein is available in supplements, teas, and ointments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, weeds with purple flowers can be a nuisance in the garden. However, with proper identification and removal techniques, they can be controlled. With a little effort, your garden can be weed-free in no time. Thanks for reading!