Lawn weed identification

neilmcl

I was wondering if someone could identify this small purple flowered weed that's been popping up in my lawn over the past few years.

Davesnave

The RHS do it better than me:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13944/Prunella-vulgaris/Details

Justagardener

its quite difficult to kill, it will take a good few applications of selective weed killer

greenbee

Bees love it, so just leave it and enjoy the flowers!

Alfrescodave

Justagardener said:

its quite difficult to kill, it will take a good few applications of selective weed killer

Why kill it ? Bees and other pollinators love this plant and other similar "weeds". The desire to have perfect lawns is extremely detrimental to the insect population. 

Davesnave

I don't have a lawn, just 'grass,' so I never worry about it either. There will be time for lawns in the perfect life following this one!

Farway

Davesnave said:

The RHS do it better than me:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13944/Prunella-vulgaris/Details

I'd leave it, we have it in the grass where I volunteer, along with clover. A bees paradise

You could always dig it up & flog it at £5.99, see Dave's link to RHS

twopenny

It's SelfHeal so you can say you're growing 'herbs' or historic plants.

I'd normally leave stuff in the lawn but this year it's taken over both front and back along with dandelions, clover and daisies so hardly any grass. The bees seldom visit it as they prefer the larger nectar rich plants I've got.

Davesnave

twopenny said:

It's SelfHeal so you can say you're growing 'herbs' or historic plants.

A tip for those who may find themselves in court for growing  a particular 'herb,' for personal research purposes.