Okay, confession time: I used to hate weeds. But then I started noticing how pretty some of them are, especially the ones with purple flowers. Now I’m kind of obsessed!
Want to know what I found out? Here are 13 purple-flowered weeds that are way cooler than you’d think.
1. Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy)
Flower Characteristics
Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, is a charming little plant with light purple flowers. In my backyard, it starts blooming in spring and continues well into summer.
Uses
Here’s a fun fact I discovered – you can actually eat Creeping Charlie! The flowers and leaves can be used in cooking, similar to spinach. I’ve added them to salads for a pop of color and a mild, fresh taste.
2. Purple Dead Nettle
Features
Purple dead nettle is another edible weed with sweet flowers and leaves. My kids love helping me pick these tiny blossoms for our spring salads.
Benefits
Besides being tasty, this plant offers medicinal benefits. While I’m no expert, I’ve read that it has some pretty impressive properties.
3. Forget-Me-Not
Flower Description
Forget-me-nots have the most adorable blue to purple flowers with sunny yellow centers. They always remind me of tiny, delicate faces peeking out from the grass.
Uses
I love using forget-me-nots to decorate cakes and cupcakes for spring parties. They add such a whimsical touch to baked goods!
4. Sweet Violet (Wild Violet)
Appearance
Sweet violets have stolen my heart with their beautiful heart-like petals. They’re one of the first signs of spring in our yard.
Benefits
Not only are the flowers and leaves edible, but they also have anti-inflammatory properties. I’ve started adding them to my morning tea for a little health boost.
5. Spear Thistle (Bear Thistle)
Flower Characteristics
Spear thistle, with its purple or pink fluffy flowers, is a stunning sight in any garden. Just be careful of the prickles when handling!
Medicinal Uses
I was amazed to learn that spear thistle can be used to treat liver damage, cirrhosis, and chronic hepatitis. Nature really is incredible!
6. Violet Wood Sorrel
Plant Description
This shamrock-like plant with purple flowers is a charming addition to any lawn. My kids love searching for “purple clovers” in our backyard.
Edibility and Precautions
While violet wood sorrel is edible, it’s important to consume it in moderation. I let my children taste a leaf or two, but we’re careful not to overdo it.
7. Heal All Plant
Edible Parts
The young stems and leaves of the heal all plant can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a leafy vegetable. I’ve started adding them to our family’s stir-fries for extra nutrition.
Medicinal Uses
You can brew or powder the stems, leaves, and flowers to make a cold infusion or tea. It’s become a staple in our home remedy kit.
8. Spotted Knapweed
Plant Type
This branching perennial is a hardy plant that seems to pop up everywhere in our garden.
Culinary Use
The purple flowers of spotted knapweed are edible and make a beautiful addition to summer salads. They add a lovely pop of color to our outdoor meals.
9. Henbit Dead Nettle
Plant Family
As a member of the mint family, henbit dead nettle has a subtle, pleasant aroma that I’ve come to associate with early spring.
Flower Characteristics
The edible white, pink, or purple flowers are a favorite snack for my little ones when we’re out in the yard.
Ecological Benefits
I love watching the bumblebees, honeybees, and even hummingbirds visit our henbit patches. It’s like having our own little wildlife sanctuary!
10. Canada Thistle
Flower Description
The purple blooms of Canada thistle are a beautiful sight in our meadow. They add a vibrant splash of color to the landscape.
Ecological Benefits
These flowers are a buffet for butterflies, bees, and goldfinches. It’s a joy to watch the wildlife they attract to our yard.
Medicinal Use
I was intrigued to learn that the leaves can be used to make a tea for treating tuberculosis. While I haven’t tried this myself, it’s fascinating to know about these traditional uses.
11. Musk Thistle
Flower Appearance
Musk thistle boasts attractive pink or purple flowers that always catch my eye when I’m out for a walk.
Uses and Benefits
The leaves of musk thistle can stimulate liver function. And here’s a surprising tidbit – the fleshy stem is edible and quite tasty after boiling and peeling. Who knew thistles could be so versatile?
12. Dove’s Foot Cranesbill
Plant Description
With its purple round petals and hairy leaves, dove’s foot cranesbill is a cute little plant that often pops up in our flower beds.
Edibility
While it’s edible, I found it to be quite bitter when we tried it both cooked and raw. It’s probably best left as a visual treat in the garden!
13. Purple Top Verbena
Origin
Native to Australia, purple top verbena has made itself at home in gardens around the world, including ours.
Flower Characteristics
The clusters of deep purple flowers are absolutely stunning. They never fail to catch my eye when I’m out watering the plants.
Landscaping Use
I’ve started growing purple top verbena along our garden borders, and the display is breathtaking. It’s become a real conversation starter with our neighbors!