Hello,

thank you for the opportunity  to help you with your question. I'm guessing the purple dead nettle and dandelion are not the plant you are looking to identify. Perhaps it is the one on what looks like a stick with a coral floral top?  If so, I have a few questions. 

1. is the stem woody, as it possibly a type of shrub or tree?

2. What does any foliage look like? Is there a rosette of leaves at the base? Can you send any pictures of foliage?  

If it does not appear to have any foliage that we may be looking at a young tree of some sort.  If it is a young tree or shrub, could the coral looking top be some new leaves unfurling? If you could send additional photos it would help with identification.

As to the brush area you wish to clear for a  flower garden. Timing is probably more about when you wish to start. It will take some time to clear such a large area.  Any animals or birds in the area are likely to move out if you start now.  It is hard to tell what you may find. You may wish to observe the area for a bit to see what is currently calling the area home. 

Here is additional information on general bed clean up and when to start:

For Pollinators' Sakes, Don’t Spring into Garden Cleanup Too Soon! | Xerces Society

Site preparation will be important to create a successful flower garden. Although this article refers to a wildflower garden, the basic plan for site preparation  is valid for any new garden bed creation. 

Planting a Wildflower Meadow? Site Preparation Comes First! - Ecological Landscape Alliance (ecolandscaping.org)

Additionally, weed management in flower beds may be helpful. This article should provide some valuable information. Weed Management in Annual Color Beds | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu)

I look forward to seeing additional pictures and hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

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Tree identification is probably not my strong suit. But this looks like a young hickory tree. There are three types, bitternut hickory, shellbark hickory and shagbark hickory.  I will send you information on all three.  Likely if there are mature hickory trees in the area, this is one that came from nuts buried from one nearby.

Hickory | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)

Shagbark Hickory | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)

Shellbark Hickory | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)

Bitternut Hickory | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)

Chances are good it may be one of these.

Hope this helps.