These graphic files are large and will load slowly due to size. Click on thumbnail images to view a larger image. This native perennial's deep root system helps in resisting drought and is commonly seen in fields and prairies. Growing 2'-4' tall it blooms summer to early fall.
Livestock avoids the plant because of it's bitter juice.
Each stem holds a single purple 5 petaled flower. A native wildflower of dry and open prairies that blooms from mid to late spring. The birds-foot shaped leaves and stems from this hardy perennial arise from the rootstock. It grows best in full or filtered sun with well-drained acidic soil and can rot if the soil is too wet. Companion plants could be lance-leaved coreposis, purple prairie clover, prairie smoke and pasqueflower.