Bluebell Family This pretty bright purple flower is a member of the Bellflower family. The word "perfoliata" denotes the way the leaves surround the stem as if they perforate it. Winter Annual Where seen: Oak Ridge Greenways, widespread
Vervain Family This plant has very tiny light purple flowers. It is a common roadside plant in some areas in the south. I found this one blooming in late July in Oak Ridge. "All mints have square stems, but not all square-stemmed plants are mints," this plant is one of the examples of having a square stem, but not being a mint. I found this one blooming along a roadside in Oak Ridge in late July. Where seen: Oak Ridge, Warriors' Path SP
Cashew Family There are two ways to tell the difference between Smooth and Winged Sumac. Notice the "wings" on the stem of the leaf between the leaflets. Also, the leaves of the Winged variety are darker and shiny. The berries of the Smooth Sumac are already reddish and ripe by the time these flowers are in bloom in mid-July. Perennial - Shrub Where seen: Oak Ridge Greenways, widespread
