What kind of weed is this and how can I get rid of it?

It has started to take over my back yard. It has migrated over from the neighbors yard.

 

Yeah, I realized that after I posted and the picture wasn't there. It is now in the album section.

 

That is Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum). The easiest way to get rid of it would be to just pull them up. Also, the use of a broadleaf weed killer would probably get rid of it.

 

it is taking over my yard too!

 

I just pull them up or cut them off before they get seeds. They pull fairly easy. dooley

 

If all else fails try a systemic weedkiller such as glyphosate.

 

I usually pull them out too, very shallow roots... seems like it goes away once the grass kicks in. I always wondered what it is -- now I've googled it. This link says it's edible:

http://www.naturesherbal.com/Purple_Dead_Nettle.htm

 

i really like them. lamium album (white dead nettle) are prettier though :-D

 

If it is the same as the Dead nettle we have, I think the smell of the leaves is utterly disgusting.