I believe it's a member of the spurge family. Some bloom in purple. It's a weed. Can be pulled by roots if shallow but most likely better controlled through a contact herbicide.

I get these a lot with the purple flowers (with the pointed petals). They have a licorice or anise smell when you step on them.

Be careful the seeds could spread it everywhere.

Appreciate all the help! It's growing in my desert garden so I will let it be! Very pretty!

I also had tons of the purple spurge this year! I love the wild flowers so everything is welcome as long as it's not toxic!

I could be wrong but I read that the milky stuff from spurge is very toxic.

campv - spurge makes me itch so wouldn't be surprised if it's toxic.

Not a spurge.

Vaguely related to the horrible goatshead, Tribulus terrestris. Hope its seedheads aren't as bad as that one!