Which perennial weed spreads by seed and underground root and has reddish-purple flowers with five petals?

Which perennial weed spreads by seed and underground root and has reddish-purple flowers with five petals?

• A. Mallow, Purple Poppy
• B. Poison Ivy
• C. Purslane, Common
• D. Knotweed, Prostrate

Answer: (A)

Perennial weeds that persist by underground parts and also spread by seed often show distinctive flowers that help with identification. Purple mallow fits this pattern: it’s a perennial weed capable of regrowing from its root system and producing seeds that spread, and its flowers are reddish-purple with five petals. That combination makes it the best match among common turf weeds. The other options don’t share both traits: poison ivy isn’t known for five-petaled purple blooms, purslane typically has yellow flowers and is usually annual, and prostrate knotweed has small, inconspicuous flowers rather than five purple petals.

Perennial weeds that persist by underground parts and also spread by seed often show distinctive flowers that help with identification. Purple mallow fits this pattern: it’s a perennial weed capable of regrowing from its root system and producing seeds that spread, and its flowers are reddish-purple with five petals. That combination makes it the best match among common turf weeds. The other options don’t share both traits: poison ivy isn’t known for five-petaled purple blooms, purslane typically has yellow flowers and is usually annual, and prostrate knotweed has small, inconspicuous flowers rather than five purple petals.