The appearance of purple flowers in a yard or garden often sparks curiosity, followed by the challenge of proper identification. Purple is common across a vast range of plant life, from low-lying weeds to towering shrubs, making it difficult to distinguish between a welcomed ornamental and an invader. Understanding the subtle structural differences is the first step in solving this botanical mystery. This article provides a guide and specific examples to help identify the purple blossoms growing near your home.
Key Features for Accurate Identification
Accurate plant identification begins with examining the plant’s physical structure, moving beyond just the flower color. Noticing the overall growth habit, such as whether it is a sprawling vine, a low groundcover, or an upright bush, can immediately narrow the possibilities. Observing the timing of the bloom is also helpful, as some species appear only in early spring, while others thrive in the heat of summer.
A crucial detail is the arrangement of the leaves on the stem, which can be alternate, opposite, or whorled. A plant with a square-shaped stem, which can be felt by gently rolling it between your fingers, is a definitive characteristic of the Lamiaceae, or mint family. These distinct features, including the stem’s cross-section and leaf pattern, provide the data points necessary to move from a general color observation to a precise species name.
Common Low-Growing Purple Flowers and Weeds
Many commonly encountered purple flowers in lawns and disturbed areas are low-growing weeds. Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a winter annual often seen early in the season, characterized by round, scalloped leaves that appear to wrap directly around the square stem higher up on the plant. Its tiny, reddish-purple flowers form in whorls where the upper leaves join the stem, and it serves as an early nectar source before disappearing in the summer heat.
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), also known as Creeping Charlie, is a perennial that forms dense mats, recognized by its kidney-shaped or rounded leaves with scalloped edges. This plant possesses a square stem, but its leaves are attached by distinct stalks, and its blue-purple flowers are found in small clusters along the trailing, rooting stems. Wild Violets (Viola spp.) are another common purple perennial, distinguishable by their heart-shaped leaves and five-petaled flowers that bloom in the spring. Violets spread primarily through underground rhizomes and by self-seeding, making them a persistent presence in turfgrass.
Common Purple Ornamentals and Established Plants
In contrast to small weeds, many purple flowers are intentionally planted ornamentals that grow larger and have a more defined structure. The Lilac (Syringa spp.) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 6 to 30 feet, producing large, pyramid-shaped clusters of fragrant flowers in mid-to-late spring. Its leaves are heart-shaped and arranged oppositely on the branches, providing a dense structure even when not in bloom.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a perennial sub-shrub prized for its strong fragrance, which comes from the essential oils in its gray-green, narrow leaves and flower spikes. Varieties like English Lavender grow in compact, mounding forms, typically under two feet tall, with slender, upright stems bearing whorls of small purple flowers. Irises (Iris spp.) are classic perennials that grow from thick, underground stems called rhizomes, featuring upright, sword-like leaves. The large, showy purple flowers are distinguished by three upright “standards” and three drooping “falls,” often displaying yellow or white markings.
Management and Ecological Considerations
Once a purple flower is identified, the next step is to consider its ecological role and necessary management. Plants like Henbit and Wild Violets, while sometimes considered weeds, are important native or naturalized species that offer early-season nectar to bees and other insects. Ground Ivy, however, is a non-native perennial that can be invasive, spreading rapidly through its rooting stems and often requiring aggressive control measures.
For unwanted annual weeds like Henbit, removal can be achieved by hand-pulling before the plant sets seed, or by using a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall. Managing persistent perennials like Ground Ivy and Wild Violets often requires a targeted approach using broadleaf herbicides in the late summer or fall, when the plants are actively transporting nutrients to their roots. Before deciding to eradicate any plant, ensure the species is not toxic to pets or children, and weigh the plant’s benefits to local pollinators against its impact on the desired landscape.