Knowledgebase
Plant/Weed Identification #742182
Asked April 02, 2021, 3:36 PM EDT
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
I'm not sure about the plant with the five petaled purple/blue flower, but it may be some variety of Brunnera. This is a native plant that spreads through rhizomes and also likes moist shady places. There are many different varieties that have been cultivated, some with variegated leaves, so pictures may not look exactly like the plant you have.
The plant with the interesting three-part leaves may be a Cardamine Nuttallii, or "Toothwort". This also is a native plant that likes moist shady places and blooms in early spring.
So, all three (with the possible exception of the purple/blue flower) are native wildflowers that grow in moist, shady places and bloom in early spring. The definition of "weed" is in the eye of the gardener, but I would let these keep growing unless they are choking out other plants you are trying to grow.
Thank you so much!
We do live in a forested area that is moist and shady so all of the plants you identified match up with our environment.
Spot on with the Yellow Wood Violet and Cardamine Nuttalli -- you nailed it! Now that I see the pics and the description that is definitely what it is. Not sure about the Brunnera but you could be right!
I love knowing that these are native wildflowers. They are really beautiful.
So grateful for your insight.
Much appreciation,
Elaine
-----Original Message-----
From: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, April 2, 2021 8:35pm
To: "Elaine Goldman" <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Plant/Weed Identification (#0012113)
I did a little more checking, and it's possible that third plant is a Pentaglottis sempervirens, but that doesn't look exactly right, either.
We have a great tool here in Oregon from the Oregon Flora Project which can help identify plants. Since I don't know exactly where your plants are and can't see all the characteristics, you may have better luck with it. At the link, start by pinning where your plants are and then it will take you to a page where you can click through different plant characteristics to narrow down possibilities. These plants would count as 'herbs' under the General Habitat section. Here's a chart of leaf structures to help you.
Thank you so much for this resource. I will definitely explore further and go out and get a closer look at this particular herb. I don't think it has a hairy stem.
I'm really enjoying learning what grows wild in my backyard!
Much appreciation.
Elaine
-----Original Message-----
From: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Saturday, April 3, 2021 9:01am
To: "Elaine Goldman" <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Plant/Weed Identification (#0012113)
