Driving along the county roads on a nice spring day and seeing all the beautiful flowers and bright colors can be so very peaceful. As I was driving home, I noticed these bright purple wildflowers growing along the roadside in a wooded area. I go tout to look at them and take some pictures because I just loved the color. I am not quite sure what they are though.
The brightly colored flowers that caught my eye, grow up in little
bunches like you can see here. They were about 3.5 cm tall. What
confuses me a little is that the petals are in 5's which usually
indicates a dicot flower. The parallel veins on the opposite growing
leaves, however, are usual patterns seen in monocots. When I looked
through pictures of Missouri wildflowers online, I found one I thought
it may be, but I am not real sure. I would love to hear what you think
(or know) about this beautiful flower.
I'm pretty sure you've got a Wild Phlox. I have heard them also called Wild Sweet William but I think that may refer to their amazing smell which does resemble Sweet William.
ReplyDeleteI would identify it as Wild Sweet William. It is similar to Downy Phlox, but Downy Phlox blooms just a bit later in the spring.
ReplyDeleteThe close up of the flower was great, and you provided some good clues for identification purposes--as evidenced by the identifications from your classmates. Good work!
ReplyDelete