Carolina Cranesbill

Carolina Cranesbill (Geranium carolinianum)

Some might call this variety of wild geranium a weed, and it does come close to qualifying for that description. It will grow well virtually everywhere and usually does. Fields, gardens, vacant lots and idle land are among its favorite locations. But weed or not it does have a pretty little (1/4 - 3/8 of an inch) purple flower and its seeds furnish food for quail, turkeys and doves.

See also:
Wildflowers of Western Kentucky
Missouri Plants
Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses

Carolina Cranesbill

Spiderwort

Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana L.)

I'm not 100% sure of species. As Neartica says: There are a number of other species of Tradescantia in eastern North America. These species can be difficult to separate from T. virginiana.

Growing on the bluff at the base of the trail off Jerry Joe's north pasture. Also alongside the trail as you enter the woods.

See also: Missouri Plants

Spiderwort

Hairy Phacelia

Hairy Phacelia (Phacelia hirsuta)

Another wildflower found down in the woods on our walk. According to Missouri Plants it should grow just about anywhere: Rocky fields and prairies, moist soils of valleys, glades, bluffs, open woods and roadsides. However, the site does warn that the flower will fade quickly in full sun.

Hairy Phacelia

Purple Wood Sorrel

Photo by Jo March 29, 2007

Purple Wood Sorrel (Oxalis violacea)

Both purple and yellow wood sorrel are found here, though yellow is more common. Some people like to use wood sorrel as a salad garnish because of it's sour taste, but it should be eaten in moderation if at all. The leaves and stem contain oxalic acid which can cause kidney damage.

This cluster of wood sorrel we found growing on a bluff rock top beside the path down from Jerry Joe's pasture north of our place.

Additional information links:

Missouri Plants
Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses

Purple Wood Sorrel

Common Blue Violet

From Photo by Jo -- March 26, 2007

Most of the common blue violets we have are dark purple, but we've found a few with variegated petals. Petal color can vary from dark purple to nearly white, and the common violet easily hybridizes with other violet species in the wild.

Links with additional information:
Missouri Plants
Missouri Wildflowers

Common Blue Violet