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.