This woodland plant can be found in mostly southern and eastern states within the U.S. When you can identify it, leave a comment with the common name, scientific name and any personal story or connection you have with the plant.
ANSWER (subsequently added to this post to facilitate the “search” function for these images): Fernleaf phacelia (Phalecia bipinnatifida)
fernleaf/cutleaf/divided-leaf/purple/forest phacelia (Phacelia bipinnatifida)
Purple Waterleaf (hydrophyllaceae) Waterleaf family
Phacelia bipinnatifida
Yes, this is Fernleaf phacelia (Phacelia bipinnatifida). As Evan noted above, it has quite a few common names. And as Pamela remarked, it is a member of the Waterleaf family. It took a couple years for me to recognize the plant during the winter season — when its leaves look so different from how they develop during the spring months. I enjoy the beautiful long-lasting purple flowers when they finally arrive after a long winter.