If you’ve noticed grass-like plants with purple flowers popping up in your yard or garden, you’re likely not the only one. These plants can be quite common in many gardens and lawns, and while some are welcome additions, others are troublesome weeds. There are several species of grass-like plants that produce purple flowers, and learning how to identify them can be helpful in determining whether they’re something you’d like to keep or remove. These plants are typically opportunistic and can spread rapidly through seeds that are carried by the wind, animals, or even water movement. Some of the more common purple-flowering weeds include purple deadnettle, henbit, and wild violet. While purple deadnettle and henbit are often found in gardens and lawns as winter annuals, wild violets can take over garden beds and lawns if left unchecked. On the other hand, there are grass-like plants that are perfectly desirable, such as certain types of ornamental grasses, which also display purple flowers or purplish hues. Understanding the specific characteristics of these plants, including the shape of their leaves, stem structure, and flower type, will help you figure out whether these newcomers are beneficial to your garden or if they’re something you might need to control to prevent them from overtaking your space.
1. Doveweed (Murdannia Nudiflora)
Doveweed, scientifically known as Murdannia nudiflora, is an annual weed that typically emerges and flourishes during the summer months, especially in areas with damp soils, such as over-irrigated lawns. This weed is particularly resilient and poses a challenge to gardeners and lawn owners due to its ability to resist many common herbicides, making it difficult to control once it establishes itself. If left unchecked, doveweed can quickly spread and take over large areas, forming dense mats that smother the surrounding grass and plants. At first glance, it may seem like just another type of lawn grass, but a closer look reveals its distinctive features. Unlike typical grasses, doveweed has narrow, short leaves that are characterized by parallel veins, setting it apart from the more common turf grasses. In addition to its unique leaf structure, doveweed produces small, delicate purple flowers with three petals that grow along its stems, adding a splash of color to the otherwise green lawn. Its stems spread across the ground, allowing it to propagate and form dense clusters, further crowding out other vegetation in its vicinity. Due to its rapid spread and ability to thrive in moist conditions, doveweed is considered an invasive weed in many areas, and managing it requires prompt action to prevent it from becoming a persistent problem in your lawn or garden.
2. Spiderwort (Tradescantia)
Spiderwort, scientifically known as Tradescantia, is a widely appreciated herbaceous perennial that includes over 70 different species, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. Often referred to as wandering Jew or spider lily, spiderwort is favored for its striking beauty and ease of growth. The plant produces flowers in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and blue, which bloom profusely from early spring through the summer months, adding vibrant color to any garden. One of the most distinguishing features of spiderwort is its long, arching leaves that are blade-like in shape, creating a lush, dense foliage that complements its colorful blooms. Among the many species within the Tradescantia genus, varieties like Tradescantia ohiensis and Tradescantia virginiana are particularly well-known for their brilliant purple flowers, which contrast beautifully against the green backdrop of their leaves. Spiderwort is not only valued for its ornamental qualities but also for its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and light conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant that delivers consistent visual appeal. Whether used as a ground cover, in garden borders, or as a focal point in a flower bed, spiderwort’s colorful blooms and graceful foliage make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. Its resilience and ability to self-seed allow it to spread and establish itself, ensuring a long-lasting presence in your garden.
3. Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium)
Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium) may not technically be classified as a true grass, but it certainly resembles one, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a grass-like plant with a little extra flair. Known for its slender, grass-like leaves, blue-eyed grass produces small, star-shaped flowers that often come in shades of blue or purple. These delicate blooms create a striking contrast against the plant’s upright, sword-shaped foliage, making it a standout in any garden or landscape. Species such as Sisyrinchium bellum and Sisyrinchium angustifolium are particularly known for their vibrant purple flowers, adding a burst of color to meadows, grasslands, and garden beds. Blue-eyed grass thrives in natural settings like meadows and prairies, where it forms clusters of tall, slender leaves that grow in a graceful, upright fashion. Despite its appearance, blue-eyed grass is a perennial that can tolerate a variety of soil types and growing conditions, making it a hardy and low-maintenance addition to gardens. It’s an ideal choice for gardeners looking to mimic the look of grass while introducing vibrant pops of color, particularly in areas like borders, wildflower gardens, or mixed plantings. Its ability to self-seed and naturalize also means that, with the right care, it will continue to provide beauty year after year.
4. Purple Moor-grass (Molinia Caerulea)
Purple moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) is a European native that thrives in acidic soils, often growing in swamps, wetlands, or lowland areas where moisture levels are consistently high. This grass is known for its tufted growth habit, with long, rough green leaves that can reach up to 35 inches in height, creating a dense, upright appearance. One of its most striking features comes in late summer through fall when purple moor-grass produces narrow purple spikelets that rise above the foliage, creating a beautiful contrast against the green backdrop. These spikelets are the defining characteristic of the grass, giving it a delicate yet bold presence in gardens or natural landscapes. While purple moor-grass is sometimes used as an ornamental grass due to its beauty and unique appearance, it is important to note that it can also become invasive in certain environments. If planted in a garden, it has the potential to spread rapidly, overtaking other plants and altering the balance of the landscape. This characteristic makes it necessary to monitor its growth closely, particularly in areas where it might outcompete other vegetation. If you decide to incorporate purple moor-grass into your garden, it is essential to manage its spread through regular maintenance to prevent it from becoming problematic, while still enjoying its striking, seasonal display of color.
5. Monkey Grass (Liriope Muscari)
Liriope muscari, often referred to as monkey grass, lilyturf, or border grass, is a hardy perennial native to Asia that has become a popular choice for gardeners in North America due to its attractive appearance and ease of growth. The plant forms dense clumps of long, narrow, grass-like leaves that are a deep green color, reaching up to 18 inches in height. In late summer, Liriope muscari produces striking spikes of purple flowers that rise above the foliage, adding a vibrant pop of color to gardens. These blooms are followed by blackish berries that can persist into the fall, providing additional interest. While Liriope muscari is relatively non-aggressive compared to some other spreading plants, it is still considered invasive in many parts of North America. Its tendency to spread quickly can lead to it crowding out native plants, which poses a potential threat to local wildlife. Despite its invasiveness, it remains a beloved ornamental plant due to its low-maintenance nature and versatility in a variety of garden settings, including borders, groundcovers, and even as an edging plant for paths. However, gardeners should remain vigilant about its spreading habits and take care to control its growth to prevent it from becoming a problem in their landscape.
These plants, while beautiful and often used for decorative purposes, can sometimes become a nuisance if they spread uncontrollably. Identifying these plants will help you determine whether they’re a beneficial addition to your garden or if they need to be managed carefully to prevent them from taking over. Whether you choose to embrace them or take action to control them, knowing what they are is the first step!
❓ FAQs: Purple-Flowering Grass-Like Plants
Q1: Are these plants safe for pets?
Most are non-toxic, but Tradescantia may cause mild skin irritation in pets. Always research each species before planting in pet-accessible areas.
Q2: How can I tell if a purple-flowering plant is a weed or ornamental?
Look at its growth habit and how easily it spreads. Ornamental types are usually sold in nurseries and have controlled growth; weeds tend to spread aggressively and grow in unwanted spaces.
Q3: Which of these plants attract pollinators?
Spiderwort and blue-eyed grass are excellent pollinator plants, attracting bees and butterflies.
Q4: What if one of these species becomes invasive in my garden?
Use physical barriers, manual removal, or a pre-emergent herbicide early in the season. Always check local regulations before using chemical controls.
Q5: Can I plant these in containers?
Yes! Liriope and Spiderwort do well in containers if given enough room to grow and proper drainage.
✅ Conclusion
Grass-like plants with purple flowers can either beautify your garden or become invasive nuisances depending on the species. Here’s a quick summary:
| Plant Name | Ornamental/Weed | Flower Type | Spreading Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doveweed | Weed | Small, 3-petal | High |
| Spiderwort | Ornamental | Vibrant, 3-petal | Moderate |
| Blue-eyed Grass | Ornamental | Star-shaped | Low |
| Purple Moor-Grass | Ornamental | Purple spikelets | Moderate-High |
| Monkey Grass | Ornamental | Upright spikes | Moderate |
To maintain a balanced and visually appealing landscape:
- Identify before planting
- Control spread
- Select based on your climate and maintenance style
With a little care and awareness, you can turn these beautiful plants into assets rather than invaders in your garden!
Let me know if you’d like this as a printable garden ID guide, an infographic chart, or need help identifying a plant you found in your own yard!Tools
