You may have found this article because you’re looking to identify pretty weeds with purple flowers on your nature walk, or perhaps you’re looking at whether to love — or remove — those purple blooms from your yard or garden.
In this article we will look at some common wildflowers and weeds with purple flowers, including their uses and benefits, to help you decide whether to keep them or pull them out.
One GardensAll Facebook community member commented to say that “These are wildflowers, not weeds.” Yes, so true!
And as we said in our reply:
“We so agree! It’s just that some consider them weeds, (especially if they don’t want them in their lawns!), and look it up online using that term to identify the wildflower. So we went with that title for this article to help people find these wonderful wildflower plants and some of their benefits beyond beauty and bee food!
So for this article we’re using the commonly cited quote about weeds:
Weeds are just plants that grow wherever you don’t want them to.
~various authors/various versions
Gardeners and Weeds… Do You Love ’em or Leave ’em?
There are primarily four different attitudes amongst gardeners when it comes to weeds, including that some see them as weeds and others see them as wildflowers and wonderful little plants.
Which best describes your relationship with yard and garden weeds?
- Some find weeds an aggravation to deal with
- Some ignore the weeds altogether
- Others enjoy weeding for a kind of stress release gardening therapy
- And then there are those who see the weeds as another garden plant with benefits
Weeds With Benefits
Indeed, some weeds and wildflowers have tremendous nutritional value, like dandelions or chickweed. Others are pretty to look at, with cheerful blooms.
Each gardener must weigh the beauty and benefits of the specific species against the harm it might cause to other plants. To help you do that, we include information on any edible and medicinal benefits of these weeds with purple flowers.
Some of what you learn may cause a double take and rethinking on whether they’re weeds to get rid of or plants to make good use of. Either way and whatever you decide is best for you and your garden, we hope you enjoy the journey of discovery and find something useful for you.
We’d love to hear from you on anything you’re doing to use (or get rid of) weeds with purple flowers (and others)!
What Harm Do Weeds Cause?
You might wonder why you would bother pulling up edible weeds or those with beautiful bright blooms. But some of those pretty weeds with purple flowers may cause your plants not to thrive.
However, others say that weeds provide nutrients for other plants.
We’ll touch on both scenarios in this article.
4 Ways Weeds Can Impact Garden Plants
Here are reasons to cull the weeds from your garden, according to the University of Minnesota Extension Office.[1]https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/controlling-weeds-home-gardens
1 – Weeds Rob Your Soil of Vital Nutrients
Weeds are fighting for survival like all living things and have gotten really good at surviving. Some say that weeds can deplete your soil of nutrients. Because of this, they will thrive while your flowers or vegetables may fail to flourish.
2 – Most Weeds Are Invasive
If you don’t remove these pesky plants, they can quickly spread and overtake your cultivated plants. In addition to invading garden beds and lawns, they also choke out plants in containers or raised beds.
Most weeds are hardy survivors, whereas many of our cultivated plants are not. In fact some weeds are considered survival food, not only because we can find and forage it for food but also because they are hardy and resilient plants.
Some of these weeds our ancestors brought to America for a reliable food source, such as dandelion. And yes, they are invasive but dandelions benefits are many as they’re edible and highly nutritious and medicinal.
3 – Weeds Deplete the Water Your Plants Desperately Need
During the growing cycle, especially when “making” vegetables or flowers, your plants need water. Weeds feel free to “share” the water from your plants, depriving them of the essential moisture.
While it is true that weeds will compete for water, they also actually help the soil retain moisture and fortify nutrients.
4 – Some Weeds Grow Tall and Wide Enough to Shade and Crowd Your Plants
Some weed species grow tall, others creep along the ground and spread like grass.
Those species that climb vertically can outgrow your garden plants. This causes two potential problems:
- BLOCKS SUNLIGHT: Your plants need the sunshine to thrive. If weeds shade them, they will not get the light that they require.
- BLOCKS AIRFLOW: As the weeds crowd your plants, it blocks the flow of fresh air. This crowding means that your soil might have difficulty drying out after it rains. Eventually, your plants might become prone to molds, mildew, or disease.
But there are so advantages to many so-called weeds and wildflowers. As the popular saying goes:
“A weed is just a plant that’s growing in the wrong place.”
~unknown
Are Weeds Beneficial to the Soil?
There are actually a number of benefits to weeds. When it comes to yards and gardens, weeds and wildflowe
Many are edible weeds that also have medicinal value. But beyond nutrients for human, animals and pollinators, many weeds are actually beneficial to the soil and to gardens. Here’s a list of some of the benefits of weeds for soil.
Benefits of Weeds for Soil, Yards and Gardens
- Shallow roots prevent soil erosion
- Fertilize the soil by composting nutrients back into the soil
- Weed roots:
- aerate soil
- open pathways for rain
- provide space and food for microbes and worms
- deep taproots bring nutrients up to surface soil
- Attract beneficial insects
- Help retain moisture
- Weeds reveal the health of your soil
- Many backyard weeds are edible and medicinal.
A great book on the benefits of weeds is Weeds, Guardians of the Soil by Joseph Cocannouer
WEEDS WITH PURPLE FLOWERS
Now that you know some of the pros and cons of yard weeds, let’s identify some common weeds with purple flowers. Once you know what species you have in your garden, you will be able to decide whether you should remove them or use them!
List of Weeds With Purple Flowers, Benefits Included!
We’re in the process of updating this list and adding more information. For now, the plant names that are underlined in the plants list below are linked to expanded information and images, should you wish to jump to any of those.
- Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa): This plant has antibacterial properties and can be used to treat infections and soothe sore throats. See more bee balm uses here.
- Catnip: While many cultivate this mint by growing catnip for their cats, it is also a widespread weed with many beneficial use for humans!
- Cornflower / Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): This herb is well-known for its immune-boosting properties and is used to treat colds, flu, and other infections.
- Forget-Me-Nots, (Myosotis sylvatica), perennial
- Ground Ivy
- Purple Dead Nettle, (Lamium purpureum): This annual weed is high in antioxidants and can be used to treat inflammation and pain.
- Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): This herb is used to treat headaches, stomach problems, and insomnia.
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): This plant is used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as respiratory problems.
- Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum): This weed is known for its liver-protective properties and is used to treat liver problems.
- Morning Glory, (Ipomeia purpurea),
- Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule): This herb can be used to treat respiratory infections and soothe digestive problems.
- Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria): This plant has astringent properties and can be used to treat diarrhea, as well as mouth and throat infections.
- Self-Heal / Selfheal or Heal-All / Healall, (Prunella vulgaris), perennial
- Thistle:
- Common Thistle, (Cirsium vulgare)
- Milk Thistle, (Carduus nutans), biennial
- Wild Geranium, (Geranium maculatum), herbaceous perennial[2]https://wp.stolaf.edu/naturallands/forest/ephemerals/wildgeranium/
- Wild Violets, (Viola odorata, Violaceae), perennial
5 COMMON WEEDS WITH PURPLE FLOWERS
1 – Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica), perennial
Do gardeners count the forget-me-not among weeds with purple flowers or as a border planting? The truth is—it can be either!
Many gardeners cultivate forget-me-not in natural areas or as border plantings because they are so easy to care for. However, once planted, it can grow out of control and take over your garden and even creep into the grass.
Forget-me-nots are a short-lived perennial best grown as an annual and can be grown as a biennial by planting seed in the ground in mid-summer for blooms the following year.
~NC State Extension
The Myosotis sylvatica species prefers well-drained but consistently moist soil and grows in conditions from partial shade to full sunshine. Because it grows so vigorously in the midwestern states, many extension agencies in that region list it as a weed.
Forget-me-nots have blue to purple, nicely rounded petals with a yellow center. While they are lovely to behold, they are aggressive growers.
If you cultivate forget-me-nots in a natural area or shade garden, deadhead blooms aggressively. This proactive approach will allow you to grow them but prevents them from going to seed and taking over your entire landscape. Another option is to grow them in pots only, but still remove blossoms before seeds drop in case any escape the boundaries of the pot.
Myosotis sylvatica translates as “Mouse Ear of the Woods.” Properly they are Wood Forget-Me-Nots.
~Green Deane, EatTheWeeds.com
Are Forget-Me-Nots Edible?
Yes, considered an herb, this weed’s purple flowers are edible in moderation, and often candied for decorating cakes and candies.
Forget-Me-Not Flower – Edible Uses
- Candied for cakes, pastries and candy – blossoms
- Fresh blossoms:
- in salad
- edible, decorative garnish for that gourmet touch to dress up foods
- added to teas
- Dried to add beauty and sweetness to tea blends
Do Forget-Me-Nots Have Medicinal Use?
Yes, in limited and careful use. Some varieties of the Myosotis plants are toxic, so best to use only under expert guidance especially when considering for internal use.
Forget-Me-Not Medicinal Benefits
- Astringent in poultices
- Volatile oils used as diaphoretic to induce sweat
NOTE: Some varieties are toxic and thought to cause liver damage, so always best to consult expert guidance.
SOURCE: US Forest Service