This small purple flowering plant can be found throughout North America. When you recognize it, please post its common name and its scientific name below. Feel free to share any personal story you may have about this plant.
Group of plants
Several plants beginning to bloom
Flower blooming
Flowers in varying stages of development
Leaf shape and arrangement with undeveloped flowers in axils
Seed pods with mature seeds from fertilized flowers
ANSWER (subsequently added to this post to facilitate the “search” function for these images): Venus’ looking glass (Triodanis perfoliata)
Also, read the blog post and watch the plant portrait video for Venus’ looking glass (Triodanis perfoliata).
I think its Anagallis arvensis, dont know the family but by seeing the characters in photo I can compare it to the Anagallis arvensis present in our country.
Thanks, Shayan, for your suggestion. However this is not Anagallis arvensis (scarlet pimpernel). Two distinct differences are: (1) this plant’s leaf arrangement is alternate on the stem rather than opposite; and (2) this plant’s flowers do not have petioles (stems) while Anagallis arvensis flowers do have petioles.
What about Venus looking glass-Triodanis perfoliata?
Hurrah, Laura! You are correct. This is Venus’ looking glass (Triodanis perfoliata). Even though the flower is on the small side, I love this flower’s purple color.
Me too! It is in my field site (Blue Mountains, WA), and was a mystery to me for several years until I was finally out late enough in the season to see it flower. So pretty!