WHAT IS THIS? - Ask Extension
THESE ARE GROWING ALL OVER MY YARD AND MY NEIGHBORS YARD THIS YEAR
WHAT ARE THEY AND SHOULD WE GET RID OF THEM AND IF SO HOW?
Knowledgebase
WHAT IS THIS? #864507
Asked April 14, 2024, 4:51 PM EDT
THESE ARE GROWING ALL OVER MY YARD AND MY NEIGHBORS YARD THIS YEAR
WHAT ARE THEY AND SHOULD WE GET RID OF THEM AND IF SO HOW?
Baker County Oregon
Expert Response
Based on your photos and a previous answer on Ask An Expert, I would say Purple Dead Nettle. Here's a nice overall article from Oregon State University on broadleaf weeds in lawns (and other areas) that has good pictures for identification: https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/lawn-problems/broadleaf-weeds
Here's the previous answer from 2017:
Expert Response
Deadnettle, Lamium purpureum,is a cool-season annual so remove as much as you can by mowing or by hand, and remove the tops from the area to reduce the seed-bank that will sprout next winter.
Make a plan now for how you will convert the area to garden. Covering the soil that is there now (which is full of weed seeds) can inhibit further weed sprouting. When you plant, disturb the soil only as required, so the weed seeds are not brought up to light where they will sprout.
I will attach some University Extension Service articles about this weed and about mulches to give you more resources.
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/videos_posters/videos/purple_deadnettle_henbit.html
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/mulch-key-no-till-gardens http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/layer-compost-lasagna-style-no-till-gardening
Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied April 20, 2017, 7:27 PM EDT
Here's another article, not from a university source, but good basic info on Purple Dead Nettle: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/purple-deadnettle-control.htm
Here's the previous answer from 2017:
Expert Response
Deadnettle, Lamium purpureum,is a cool-season annual so remove as much as you can by mowing or by hand, and remove the tops from the area to reduce the seed-bank that will sprout next winter.
Make a plan now for how you will convert the area to garden. Covering the soil that is there now (which is full of weed seeds) can inhibit further weed sprouting. When you plant, disturb the soil only as required, so the weed seeds are not brought up to light where they will sprout.
I will attach some University Extension Service articles about this weed and about mulches to give you more resources.
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/videos_posters/videos/purple_deadnettle_henbit.html
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/mulch-key-no-till-gardens http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/layer-compost-lasagna-style-no-till-gardening
Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied April 20, 2017, 7:27 PM EDT
Here's another article, not from a university source, but good basic info on Purple Dead Nettle: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/purple-deadnettle-control.htm