skip to main content

Name That Plant!

Blue/Purple Wildflowers

14 years ago

I'm wondering what these two flowers are. They're growing in Michigan, Zone 5, the first alongside a dirt road and the second (which I picked and then photographed) in a field, so I'm assuming they are wildflowers and not planted by someone in such odd spots. They're both quite tall (3-4 feet), and growing in large clusters. Any ideas? Thanks!

{{gwi:282528}}
{{gwi:282529}}

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

sweet_betsy No AL Z7
14 years ago
Second one looks like vetch.
weedwoman
14 years ago
First one might be Anchusa arvensis, Small Bugloss (my old copy of Peterson lists it as Lycopsis arvensis, you might find it under that name if you're looking in old books).

The second one looks like Cow Vetch, Viccia cracca or Hairy Vetch, Viccia villosa. I can't see the details in the photo well enough to be sure which.

WW
Related Discussions
Purple/white wildflower
Q
Comments (4)
Well, not so neat, actually. It's considered an invasive species in most, if not all, states. A real spreader, crown vetch was originally planted for erosion control, but it is now located along roadsides, rights-of-way, open fields, waste grounds and on gravel bars along streams, etc. Here is a link that might be useful: Crown vetch
...See More
Please ID this wildflower--purple leaves & blossom
Q
Comments (4)
Wow, thanks for the quick ID. That's it! When I saw "nettle" I wondered why they didn't sting me, then I googled it and learned what the "dead" meant. Apparently edible as well. Thanks!
...See More
Volunteer Purple/White Wildflower
Q
Comments (1)
Looks like a bolting radish or some relative.
...See More
Purple-Pink Wildflower?
Q
Comments (3)
looks like a spent tulip ....???? ... but that is a bulb.. but you claim rhizome????? is the whole mass the same thing??? .. if not ... try to pic out its leaves ... ken
...See More

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Essential Wildflowers for the U.S. Central Plains

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Focusing on prairie wildflowers supports the most wildlife in a low-maintenance Plains landscape

FALL GARDENING Be Your Own Wildflower Nursery

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Gather seeds from your garden in fall, and you'll have a selection of plants for next year — without spending a dime

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES 7 Native Wildflowers to Make You an Awesome Butterfly Host

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Offer the leaves of these and you’ll get more butterflies than with flower nectar alone

FLOWERS 10 Spring Wildflowers for the Central Plains

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

These blooming native perennials thrive in dry locations and help welcome early-season pollinators

KITCHEN DESIGN 2012 Color Trends: Natural Purples for Kitchen and Bath

By Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC

Hot now: Purples swiped from dusky sunsets and wildflowers

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: Silver Sparkles Amid Purple and Blue Foliage

Get the look of this modern foundation planting by focusing on a restrained color palette with tasteful accents

GARDENING GUIDES What’s in a Name? See 6 Wildflowers That Aren’t ‘Weeds’ at All

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Dispel the stereotypes of weeds and try these wildlife-supporting native wildflowers in your garden

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Prairie Wildflowers That Can Heal Your Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Get free, organic soil fertilizer with nitrogen-pumping plants that draw pollinators too

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Native Wildflowers With Unique Foliage

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

When the flowers fade, these leaves keep the garden looking good

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Unsung Wildflowers That Thrive in Dry Shade

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Turn shady problem spots into garden idylls with with these prolific, easy-care bloomers

Sponsored

More Discussions

Quilty leaved unknown patio crack vollunteer?

8

Succulent identification?

2

White Flowers & Spike Balls?

1

Volunteer plant. Leaves similar to dandelion but more coarse & prickly

5

What's this flower seen along the road?

3