Knowledgebase
Help with identifying tree and weeds #741076
Asked March 27, 2021, 1:29 PM EDT
Greetings,
I recently moved to a new house. Within the past few weeks I have noticed weeds with purple shoots growing abundantly in my rear lawn. I love the bright, purple color but am concerned they may become unruly. What kind of weeds are these (if they are a weed)? Is cutting them with a lawn mower an effective management technique?
Also, in my front yard there is a tree with lovely pink petals. I plan to rake up the ones that have fallen, but what kind of tree is this and when is it usually in bloom?
Thank you!
Joe
Hampton County Virginia
Expert Response
Joe,
Thank you for your question! Let's tackle the first question (thank you for the pictures, too). That is purple deadnettle. Deadnettle is a winter annual, it germinates in the fall and/or winter and begin growth during warmer temperatures. It will quickly invade shady spots, locations with good soil moisture, and places where there is thin plant growth (especially lawn and turf areas). To prevent an invasion of deadnettle in your lawn—be sure to establish a very thick stand of grass while also mowing, fertilizing, and watering to promote a thicker turf stand. Mowing is not going to do too much - having a dense turf will. Here is a publication from NC State Extension for more info: Purple Deadnettle
The other picture appears to be a camellia. Different varieties of camellias bloom from late fall to mid-spring.
Thank you and good luck!
