Some of the most unique wildflowers are purple. They attract wildlife such as bees and caterpillars.
Many types of common purple wildflowers are also used to decorate parks and gardens.
A wide range of wildflowers in North America don’t come in a main purple color but maybe purple if they’re violet, lavender, or pink. Other species are only purple.
Some of the typical common purple wildflowers of North America include the following species.
Table of Contents
1. Common Milkweed
A typical perennial, Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a wildflower often seen in a purple color.
The color of Common Milkweeds is highly variable. Purple and pink nuances are highly common followed by rarer white and cream-colored flowers.
This type of wildflower grows to a maximum height of just over 5 feet.
While its colorful purple blooms are attractive in gardens, rapid rhizome-based spread makes this plant less than ideal for home cultivation.
The Common Milkweed is a food for hundreds of insects and bugs, including the Monarch Butterfly’s Caterpillar.
2. Common Blue Violet
The Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) is most likely found around woodlands. This species grows and thrives on the ground where it may even live in partial shade.
The species is short, but it grows to 10 inches in width. It features colorful purple flowers and dark green leaves that are shaped like a heart.
An ideal species in gardens, Common Blue Violet can grow in moist soils.
This species should be planted in containers or backyards as it tends to be a high-risk weed when it spreads on lawns where it can be difficult to remove from.
3. Ground-Ivy
Ground-Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) also comes in different colors, many of them shades of purple. Related colors such as lavender are also specific to this species.
This species can be a weed across some of the richest soils of North America.
Moist soils with good nutrition are among its favorites.
No natural products are available to control Ground-Ivy at the moment. Manual pulling and pesticides are among the few methods to control this potentially invasive wildflower of the mint family.
4. Chicory
Various shades of purple and violet are specific to Chicory (Cichorium intybus), a wildflower that has been commercially used for drinks and sweeteners.
This species can grow tall, with a maximum recorded height of 5 feet.
It has a long season which may spread to October, depending on its location.
Its purple or lavender-colored flowers are in bloom throughout the season.
Both its bright colorful flowers and the rest of the plant are edible. Unlike cultivated chicory, wild chicory has an unpleasant bitter taste.
5. Common Selfheal
Common Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) is one of the purple wildflowers native to North America and Europe.
The species has purple flowers which are comprised of 2 lips and one is purple.
A native in many temperate countries around the world, Common Selfheal is a species with an incipient but growing weed status in states such as Hawaii.
This plant is edible and it has been boiled or cooked in different types of traditional meals.
6. Red Deadnettle
A type of nettle, Red Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is also known as the Purple Deadnettle due to its purple flowers.
This species is also present in North America, especially around the Western states where it has a weed status.
Different types of moist habitats are specific to Read Deadnettle.
Woodlands, the edges of woodlands, and disturbed lands are among the typical areas where they can be found. Ditches along roads that also have high moisture are ideal habitats for the species.
The upper part of Read Deadnettles, including its purple flowers, are edible or used for various health issues.
7. Redstem Stork’s-Bill
A type of biennial plants, Redstem Stork’s-Bill (Erodium cicutarium) comes in purple or dark pink colors.
Purple wildflowers of this species are native to North America. It grows in all states in the North, where it has a long history as an edible.
The plant can be used in salads or it can be boiled to treat an upset stomach.
Rich in pollen, Redstem Stork’s-Bill is also a species-rich in pollen. Despite its parsley-like taste, bees often visit its flowers for pollen.
8. Henbit Deadnettle
Henbit Deadnettle (Lamium amplexicaule) is an introduced species in North America. Unlike other wildflowers of its genus, the species isn’t a weed.
Purple or pink-purple flowers that measure less than 1 inch are specific to this species.
Henbit Deadnettle is a species that can be found along moist terrains. Valued for its pollen, the species is also eaten by animals.
Henbit Deadnettle is edible. However, not all plants of the species can be eaten as their leaves are mostly collected for cooking.
9. Wild Bergamot
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is among the typical purple wildflowers that multiply by rhizomes.
The plants can grow to a height of around 3 feet. Its flowers are purple, growing to a diameter of up to a few inches.
Clusters of flowers grow on each Wilf Bergamot which can count to tens of purple flowers.
Wild Bergamot has a widespread role in the ecosystem. Bees feed on their pollen.
A constant presence across most North American territories, Wild Bergamot is also present with multiple subspecies across the continent.
10. Dame’s Rocket
Various shades of purple or pink are specific to Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis).
This species grows similarly to a shrub due to its rapid multiplication rate.
A common sight in parks and gardens, Dame’s Rocket is a species that can quickly overcrowd its initial cultivation area.
It can crowd out local plants and it can turn invasive if left unmanaged.
When cultivated, the plant doesn’t show any purple flowers in its initial growth stages. The species is in full bloom from the second and third years.
11. Blue Dicks
Lavender-purple and blue are the most common color Blue Dicks (Dipterostemon capitatus) are seen in.
This is a type of quick-blooming plant, often spotted at the end of the winter and into the spring.
It grows to a height of just a few inches and it can be found in various states such as California, New Mexico, and other Southwestern regions, Blue Dicks are fast to spread.
Open fields, meadows, and other regions with moist soils are ideal spreading habitats for the species.
12. Purple Loosestrife
A common sight across meadows, Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is among the invasive species of North America with purple flowers.
High multiplication rates create the risk of monocultures, driving out local plants.
Found across woodlands in sedge meadows, Purple Loosestrife is one of the tallest types of purple wildflowers in North America.
Some of the tallest Purple Loosestrifes measure more than 6 feet.
13. New England Aster
One of the types of purple asters, the New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) has a deep purple color and a yellow central section.
Growing up to a height of 3 feet, New England Asters are a common pollen source for local wildlife.
Butterflies, caterpillars, bees, and even birds feed on its colorful flowers.
New England Asters are present in Eastern US territories and Westwards to The Rocky Mountains. These flowers also grow in Eastern Canada.
Meadows and prairies with high moisture are among the ideal habitats for these asters.
14. Lesser Periwinkle
Various shades of purple are specific to The Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor). This species is seen in dark purple and bright purple shades.
Its flowers typically measure more than 1 inch in diameter.
Lesser Periwinkle is a type of wildflower also grown as ground cover in disturbed areas and as a cover crop.
Its dense leaves are ideal for killing all other types of weeds emerging in an area as they create carpet-like density.
Its leaves can be all green or green and white, depending on its wildflower or cultivar genus.
15. Silverleaf Nightshade
Large purple or dark pink flowers are specific to Silverleaf Nightshades (Solanum elaeagnifolium).
Apart from their vivid colors, these flowers are also known for their start shape.
A long blooming season is specific to the species. Its flowers are seen up until August every year.
The plant is toxic and animals can be exposed to its high toxicity.
Common around central and Eastern states, this type of flower has been associated with interfering with brain functions as a result of ingestion.
Horses are among the highest risk groups as they can easily eat this plant around meadows.
16. Blue Phlox
Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata) is a multicolored wildflower. It can come in purple or pink, as well as in variations of these colors.
This is a species that relies on pollinators for multiplication.
Bees and butterflies are among the first species to help Blue Phlox multiplication.
Also rich in nectar, the flowers of this species are typically only available for select wildlife. Long piercing mouthparts are required to reach its pollen.
Blue Phlox is found all across North America with the exception of Western territories.
17. Hairy Vetch
Native to Europe, Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) has deep purple colors and a mixed status across North America.
It has both a beneficial role and an invasive status in many US states.
In most regions, Hairy Vetch is seen as beneficial and even encouraged as a forage crop.
However, states such as Alaska and Florida see this species as invasive.
A companion plant on crops elsewhere, this species may help soil quality when cultivated on crops.
18. Pickerelweed
Elongated purple flowers are the main reason multiple pollinators feed on Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata).
This is a type of wetland purple wildflower with a growing aquatic presence.
Very high multiplication rates are noted for the species which can cover wide aquatic habitats. Multiplying by rhizomes, this species can spread asexually.
In northern US states, areas around ponds and lakes as well as around canals are typical habitats for the species to multiply rapidly.
This species can be controlled by adding salt to ponds in the area it shows weed-like behavior.
19. Purple Passionflower
Known for its bright purple flowers, Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a species native to the Eastern, Southeastern, and Southern US.
This is a species that has an important role in the ecosystem. The green or yellow fruits of the species are food for different types of caterpillars.
The Plebeian Sphinx Caterpillar is one of the species that feed on its fruits.
While vividly colored, Purple Passionflower can be a type of invasive wildflower. As a type of vine, it can quickly cover ground and kill all types of native plants in its range.
20. Western Blue-eyed Grass
A short flowering season is specific to The Western Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum).
This type of wildflower mostly has either purple or blue flowers with dark purple or dark blue stripeA short flowering season is specific to The Western Blue-eyed Grass.
This type of wildflower mostly has either purple or blue flowers with dark purple or dark blue stripes.
A bright yellow central section is specific to both blue and purple flowers of the species.
Western Blue-eyed Grass has a variable appearance due to its high size range. It only grows to a few inches in some areas while it can reach a height of 18 inches in others.
Purple wildflowers of the species can bloom in both full sun or part shade but they’re only blooming for a single day.
21. Greater Periwinkle
Often used as a type of ground cover, Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major) comes in purple or blue colors. Its purple flowers have a brighter nuance and also show white areas.
Yellow central areas are specific to the purple Greater Periwinkle while the blue variant shows a blue central section.
Its flowers have a short season but Greater Periwinkle remains green throughout the year, which also recommends for parks and gardens.
When grown in gardens, it should be distanced from other species as it has creeping growing habits.
22. Dakota Mock Vervain
This type of wildflower (Glandularia bipinnatifida) is native to Southeastern US states. It grows between the spring and the end of the summer.
It can bloom once or multiple times and it shows either purple or pink flowers.
Dakota Mock Vervain is a short species, growing to a height of a few inches. Prairies and open grassy fields are among its preferred habitats.
This species may show a weed-like growing pattern on disturbed soils.
23. Spotted Knapweed
Native to Europe, Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) is among the multiple species introduced to North America.
Initially found in Northwestern territories, Spotted Knapweed is now widespread in The United States.
It blooms a small flower head which can be purple, pink, or lavender.
Its seeds spread in multiple ways, mainly by wind.
Spotted Knapweed is known for spreading through tumbleweed. This is a type of multiplication that allows the dry areas of the plant to be detached from the roots and spread out with seeds by the wind.
24. Carpet Bugle
A known type of ground cover, Carpet Bugle (Ajuga reptans) is a species native to Europe.
It stands out with its long stems and blue-purple flowers.
This species shows an invasive nature both in Europe and North America. It crowds out local species around woodlands as well as on almost any other type of high-elevation grassy terrain.
The species is also rich in nectar for the species that live at higher elevations. This includes Fritillary butterflies.
Some cultures around the world boil Carpet Bugle to make tea.
25. Sharp-lobed Hepatica
Shapred-lobed Hepatic (Hepatica acutiloba) is found in central North American woodlands. It prefers to grow in deciduous woodlands, close to trees.
There are many colors its flowers come in which include purple, bright purple, pink, and white.
Wildflowers of the species grow to a size of around 5-6 inches and are also known to grow fruit.
You can find its flowers in bloom early in the season. Its flowers can bloom in early summer in the years with cooler spring temperatures.
26. Bluejacket
Bluejackets (Tradescantia ohiensis) are found all across the East Coast. This is a tall wildflower that likes moist areas.
Woodlands are common places for the species, but not as common as ditches and roadsides.
Large round purple flowers are seen in this species.
The height of Bluejackets can vary. Some of the tallest wildflowers of the species measure around 50 inches.
Even taller wildflowers are possible as Bluejackets often become hybrids with similar wildflowers.
27. Round-lobed Hepatica
Round-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana) may have a purple appearance. Their long sepals make it look as if they have purple petals.
The purple flowers of Round-lobed Hepatica wildflowers open on sunny days.
Pink and white Round-lobed Hepaticas are also common.
A fruit-bearing species, Round-lobed Hepatica flowers grow in moist habitats, including woodlands.
They are among the first to bloom here and tend to attract early pollinating bees.
28. Tall Bellflower
5 bright purple petals are specific to the flower of Tall Bellflowers (Campanulastrum americanum). These wildflowers are also seen in blue-purple or pink colors on occasion.
The dominant purple nuance of the species is bright purple across its petals which are doubled by 5 green sepals.
Capable of self-pollination, these nectar-rich plants are only visited by insects with long-sucking parts such as long-tongued bees.
The species is present in most habitats between the Northern and Southern US borders.
29. Tievine
The purple coloring is seen on the circular flowers of Tievine (Ipomoea cordatotriloba). This color isn’t dominant, as the wildflower is often spotted in different other colors.
Native to Southeastern North America, Tievine also comes in various pink shades.
Lavender colors are also specific to this species.
Growing as a vine, Tievine is among the species that trails on the ground but which can also climb fences, trees, or other plants in its immediate vicinity.
Full sun is needed for the species. Together with sufficient moisture, the species can become invasive.
30. Wishbone Bush
A least 3 varieties of Wishbone Bush (Mirabilis laevis) are found across Southwestern US territories, including California.
This is a species that grows across the state’s chaparral. Its flowers can be purple or pink.
Specific to woodlands in other nearby states and Mexico, Wishbone Bush requires moderate moisture when grown at home.
The species grows as a bush and it can be used as a natural border between properties.
31. Common Harebell
Temperate regions around the world are natural habitats for The Common Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia).
This is a species with bell-shaped flowers that come in different colors, including purple. Blue undertones are typical of these bell-shaped flowers.
Growing along woodlands, Common Harebell does well on prairies and meadows which have lower humidity compared to forested areas.
Adapted to harsh living conditions, Common Harebell can also grow in cracks and on rocky terrains.
32. Violet Woodsorrel
Violet Woodsorrel (Oxalis violacea) is a short wildflower also known as Sour Grass. This is a species with a North American presence but with an endangered or extirpated species across many states.
Violet Woodsorrel is among the threatened wildflowers of New York.
It can grow as ground cover in areas where it finds disturbed land.
Pink to purple coloring is specific to the flowers of this species.
White inner sections are specific to the vividly-colored petals of its bloom.
The species is partly edible and it may be used in salads where it adds a sour taste.
33. Clasping Venus’s Looking Glass
Clasping Venus’s Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata) is one of the few species that come with different flower shapes.
The flowers of the species can be either round or shaped like a bell.
Purple color is highly specific to these flowers, regardless of their shape.
These flowers have a long flowering season from spring to the end of August. Rich in pollen, they attract bees throughout the summer.
A type of herb, the wildflower is unpretentious and can be grown in gardens.
34. Texas Vervain
Unlike Clasping Venus’s Looking Glass, Texas Vervain (Verbena halei) is a species that has a short blooming period.
Its purple flowers that grow on stems are only seen at the end of the spring.
This is a species that grows as a shrub with multiple stems covered in tiny purple or pink flowers.
Not impacted by drought, the plant can be grown in places you want to attract early pollinators.
This species is found in Texas as well as other Southern states.
35. Ithuriel’s Spear
Named after a poem, this type of wildflower (Triteleia laxa) has a purple or purple-to-blue color.
Its flowers grow upright in the shape of a tube and open in full sun. A common sight in California in the spring, this type of wildflower can grow in different moist soils.
The corm of the species can be added to containers and grown at home.
Some data shows these parts of the plant are edible when boiled. They can sprout again the following year in contact with water.
36. Alfalfa
Similar to clover, Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is one of the most important forage crops around North America.
It also grows in Europe where it is known as Lucerne.
This species is a type of legume and a common food for animals as well as a host species for butterflies and their caterpillars.
Purple flowers are specific to the species even if some alfalfa flowers can also be yellow.
Often cultivated in areas where no other forage crops grow, alfalfa is fed to cattle and horses.
When collected for storage, alfalfa is typically baled after drying in the sun.
37. Dotted Gayfeather
Dotted Gayfeather (Liatris punctata) is a type of purple flower with occasional white blooms.
Native to North America, this is a species that grows to a height of up to a couple of feet.
Its long leaves are contrasted by its feathery purple flowers which are rarely white or purple and white.
A common sight on prairies, this type of wildflower can help regenerate soils after the fire.
The high-altitude habitat of the species and its nectar make it a host species for some of the rarest North American wildlife.
The 3 subspecies of Leonard’s Skipper Butterfly feed on its colorful flowers.
38. Distant Phacelia
Native to California and Northern Mexico, Distant Phacelia (Phacelia distans) is locally known as Scorpionweed.
This species is found along chaparral and it comes with blooms of different colors.
Meadows are also a common habitat for this species, alongside almost any other terrain at the edges of woodlands.
Purple and blue flowers are the most specific to the species.
Both the purple and blue flowers of the species can be seen in different shades.
39. Purple-flowered Raspberry
This species of raspberry (Rubus odoratus) is known for making fruit similar to raspberries, but with a slightly flattened shape.
Its blooming season is long as it lasts through the summer.
Various vivid colors are specific to the flowers of Purple-flowered Raspberry. Purple, magenta, and pink are among its most colorful flowers.
Often confused with other species, Purple-flowered Raspberry can be wrongly identified as actual raspberry or as young maple due to the similar shape of its leaves.
40. Silvery Lupine
The inflorescence of Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus) is often purple. Flowers of this species arranged vertically on stems can also be either blue or white.
Like many types of lupines in North America, Silvery Lupine is a species that’s used as a host by adult butterflies or their caterpillars.
The seeds of Silvery Lupien can attract other wildlife such as insects and birds.
This species grows in moist areas and it reaches a height of several feet. Some of the tallest Silvery Lupines measure up to 5 feet.
41. Allegheny Monkeyflower
Allegheny Monkeyflower (Mimulus ringens) is a species that varies in size considerably. From a few inches to a few feet, this is a species influenced by its habitat.
This plant only grows in water and the number of nutrients in its habitat influences its height.
Tiny flowers are seen on the end of its stems. These flowers can be purple, pink, violet, blue, or even red.
Allegheny Monkeyflower is also one of the species grown at home to decorate ponds.
42. Carolina Ruellia
Purple, bright pink, or white are among the typical colors of the small Carolina Ruellia flowers (Ruellia caroliniensis).
This species is further identified by growing opposing dark green leaves. Carolina Ruellia can be cultivated in gardens or parks with frequent watering. The species can slightly resemble the wildflowers of the nightshade family.
It grows to a maximum height of 4 feet in Eastern and Southeastern US states.
43. Douglas Iris
Purple-blue colors are specific to the vivid flowers of Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana).
This is a species that grows at sea level and up to medium elevation. It inhabits vegetated areas such as grasslands where it becomes a weed.
High multiplication rates and a growing pattern similar to clusters make it difficult for other wildflowers and grasses to grow in their areas.
A type of noxious weed, Douglas Iris can also invade gardens.
Douglas Iris is one of the tallest types of purple wildflowers as this species can grow to tens of feet.
44. California Aster
A single long stem holds the bright purple flower of California Asters (Corethrogyne filaginifolia).
Its purple petals are arranged around a dark yellow central section.
A common sight in California, this is a species that’s also present further South into Baja California.
The state’s rare types of ecosystems such as chaparral are some of the areas where the species can be found in high numbers.
California Asters are a type of wildflower local bees visit. This species can reach a maximum height of around 3 feet.
45. Candy Flower
Candy Flower (Claytonia sibirica) is a type of invasive species that may feature purple flowers or pink flowers.
Not invasive in all parts of the world, Candy Flower is a species that spreads quickly, forming a carpet that smothers local vegetation.
The wildflower is partly edible when cooked.
Candy Flower leaves and flowers are typically eaten.
The species can also be cultivated in gardens around the world in temperate climates.
46. Hoary Vervain
Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) is one of the most important purple wildflowers for butterflies and their caterpillars.
This is a North American host to species such as The Common Buckeye Butterfly.
Purple or lavender flowers grow along the upper part of its stems.
Hoary Vervain blooms throughout the summer, even outside of the butterfly egg-laying period.
This species can eventually reach a height of up to 4 feet.
Hoary Vervain ripens its seeds in September, a period when species of birds are seen feeding on them.
47. Virginia Spiderwort
Large purple flowers are specific to Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana).
This is a species native to Eastern US states where it can be seen blooming along roads.
Its large purple flowers often make it a common wildflower in gardens. While native to Eastern states, Virginia Spiderwort is a species that lives in dry habitats as well.
It can establish itself from seeds or it can be cultivated from cuttings.
48. Mediterranean Stork’s-Bill
An introduced species in North America, Mediterranean Stork’s-Bill (Erodium botrys) is among the species with purple or pink flowers.
The petals of the species have uniform purple coloring with darker purple stripes.
Its stems and leaves are hairy.
Mediterranean Stork’s-Bill is a wildflower that can measure only a few inches or grow to a tall size of up to 40 inches.
49. Creeping Bellflower
Native to Europe and regions of Siberia, Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) grows multiple dark purple flowers on each stem.
This is a fast-spreading species due to its high number of seeds and adaptability to growing at altitudes of up to 7.000 feet.
The species is known to have thousands of seeds which wind helps disperse.
Wildflowers of this species grow around woodlands.
Apart from its purple flowers, all of the parts of the plant are edible.
50. Purple Prairie Clover
Prairies along the Eastern half of North America are home to The Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea).
This type of clover is an important food source for deer and other types of wild animals.
It establishes itself at a higher elevation and it can also be used in the revegetation of disturbed sites.
The high nutritional value of the species makes it an appreciated plant that can be one of the most beneficial to wildlife in the area of The Great Plains.
51. Silver Bush Lupine
Pine forests and mixed woodlands are areas where the Silver Bush Lupine (Lupinus albifrons) can grow around.
This species reaches a height of up to several feet and it is known for having purple, pink, white, and silver blooms.
Unlike Purple Prairie Clover, Silver Bush Lupine is among the species that cannot be eaten by livestock.
Its toxicity levels and bitter taste mean deer don’t eat it.
The species grows to a size of around 2 feet with a presence in elevations of up to 5.000 feet.
52. Violet Ruellia
Native to North America, Violet Ruellia (Ruellia nudiflora) is one of the species of the Southwest.
This type of wildflower grows around pockets of moisture in The Sonoran Desert.
It reaches a height of up to 5 inches and it grows purple star-shaped flowers.
The dark green leaves of Violet Ruellia mostly grow around the base of the stems.
53. Butterfly Pea
The flower of Butterfly Peas (Centrosema virginianum) has a bright purple color. These flowers may also come in bright lavender.
Early and mid-summer months are the blooming season for this species.
Many types of wild animals feed on this flower, especially as it has high nutritional value.
Bees often visit these flowers, together with the butterflies of The Skipper family.
Butterfly Peas are tall wildflowers reaching a maximum height of around 5 feet when growing on moist soils even if these plants show some degree of drought resistance.
54. Texas Mountain Laurel
Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum) is another type of drought-resistant species.
It lives in the extreme South of Texas as well as in remote areas of Mexico.
The flowers of the species are purple and aromatic. While they are bright, their remote area and shape don’t make them ideal in gardens.
The species has a long history in Central America as natives used it for its psychoactive effect.
55. Showy Orchis
Showy Orchis (Galearis spectabilis) is one of the species with both purple and white flowers. Some of its leaves are purple while others are white.
A rare variation of the species where the flower has a single color has also been spotted.
The blooming season is short but Showy Orchis has leaves that persist through the warm months.
It can be found in different humid areas such as around marshes, streams, or woodlands.
Some of the earliest Showy Orchis flowers start to bloom in April with pollination being possible with the help of bees.
56. Smooth Blue Aster
Up to 30 purple ray flowers are arranged around a yellow central section on The Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve).
A common species for local bees, butterflies, and caterpillars, Smooth Blue Asters are spread around the Eastern parts of the US and of North America.
Pale blue variants are also seen for the species. Its upper leaves are dark green while its ventral leaves are bright green.
Hairy stems are also specific to this species.
57. Northern Blue Flag
This type of wildflower (Iris versicolor) also comes in purple but most of its flowers are light blue or dark blue.
Some of its flowers may also appear lavender.
A species native to North America, Northern Blue Flag is found all around the Eastern territories, not just in the Northern ones.
The species is an official wildflower in many municipalities but it also has a toxic profile.
Northern Blue Flags are toxic except for the flowers. In total, the plant may reach a height of up to 31 inches.
58. Tufted Vetch
Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) is a European native wildflower with an introduced status in North America.
This species is listed as invasive in many of its territories. It shows an aggressive spread habit in areas of disturbed land or close to water.
Multiple small purple flowers grow at the top of each stem.
While the species is detrimental to other plants, it can enrich the soil over time. Tufted Vetch is also a type of purple wildflower cattle eat.
Bees, wasps, and butterflies also feed on the species.
59. Dwarf Larkspur
Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) is a native species in the North and Central regions of the US.
This is a species that has purple flowers, growing in clusters. It can also have blue flowers or white flowers. Some types of Dwarf Larkspurs also have a combination of colors, mainly blue and white or purple and white.
The species grows to a maximum size of 18 inches and it also stands out with the faded colors of its leaves, which are green-gray.
Up to 24 flowers grow on each stem of the species but they represent little interest to livestock, together with the rest of the plant which is poisonous.
Cattle and horses are among the most impacted species which could feed on it.
60. Mealy Blue Sage
A combination of colors is also seen on Mealy Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea), a highly fragrant flower that smells similar to Common Sage.
Its flowers can be blue and purple but they can also be uniform purple or blue.
The species has long leaves which have different shapes, which may make for difficult identification. Some leaves are straight edges while others have teeth.
This is a species that has a long blooming season. Its flowers open up in June and they remain in bloom up until the first frost in the fall or winter seasons.
One of the common uses of the species includes garden cultivation where it attracts butterflies.
61. Purple Chinese Houses
California is the main state for the Purple Chinese Houses (Collinsia heterophylla) in The United States.
This species can be found in all parts of California, particularly at higher elevations. It can survive in regions of up to 3.000 feet.
Large deep purple flowers which diminish in size during the blooming season are specific to The Purple Chinese Houses.
This species has early bloom from spring to the first weeks of the summer.
Wildflowers of the species vary in size, according to their region. Those at lower elevations are closer to their maximum height of 20 inches.
62. Maryland Meadowbeauty
One of the species with a large impact on the ecosystem is The Maryland Meadowbeauty (Rhexia mariana).
This is one of the wildflowers that’s also a host to The corn Earworm, one of the most destructive caterpillars and moths in North America.
The plant itself has large purple flowers and the capacity to spread by thousands of seeds.
Some of the seeds of the species have also been known to lay in a dormant state, surviving for a long period before germination.
Moist loamy soils are among the ideal habitats for these plants and their thousands of seeds.
63. Hairy Ruellia
Purple flowers are specific to the introduced Hairy Ruellia species (Ruellia humilis).
This wildflower is in bloom during the summer months. Its flowers are short-lived, often not surviving more than a day.
Most types of Hairy Ruellia have a bright purple or pink color. They grow between 1 and 2 feet and are generally rare.
Growing in numbers in states around Wisconsin, this is one of the species with a reduced presence in Eastern US states.
64. Fringed Polygala
This type of wildflower (Polygaloides paucifolia) is associated with various myths such as being a top nutritional option for cows.
While cows may eat it, they do not produce more milk after eating it.
Named after its fringed leaves, The Fringed Polygala is among the species which come in purple, violet, or white flowers.
Moist areas of woodlands are among the ideal habitats for the purple wildflower.
Its blooming season is short and typically tied to the end of the spring.
Fringed Polygala may also be grown in gardens but it requires rich soil to bloom every year.
65. Cut-leaved Crane’s-Bill
Cut-leaved Crane’s-Bill (Geranium dissectum) is an introduced species in North America.
A European native, this type of wildflower comes in either pink or purple flowers, typically in a darker shade.
The species is found around woodlands as well as in other moist areas.
It does well on disturbed land, where it can reach its maximum height between 20 and 30 inches.
Its leaves are still used to make tea which some believe helps alleviate different health issues, especially those related to digestion.
66. Bird’s Foot Violet
This type of wildflower (Viola pedata) comes in 2 color variants.
Both of these variants have complex colors with various undertones.
Mostly purple variants with red and white nuances are specific to the plant.
A blue variant with lilac or violet is also seen on its large flowers.
Bird’s Foot Violet is a species that grows in full sun and dry soils.
It may also grow and spread itself in partial sun. Too much watering as well as high-quality soils in gardens kill this species used to some of the harshest terrains.
67. Mexican Ruellia
Large purple, blue, pink, or white flowers are seen on Mexican Ruellia (Ruellia simplex).
This species has a numerous presence in Southeastern US states, Central America, and South America.
In Florida, this species is considered highly invasive. There’s a regular and a dwarf variant of the species in Florida, both of which come with purple flowers.
Not recommended in gardens, this plant can quickly overgrow an area, killing other plants by limiting their access to resources.
As a perennial plant, Mexican Ruellia typically reaches a height of up to 3 feet while its dwarf variant only grows to a height of several inches.
68. Wild Basil
Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare) is now an introduced species across multiple continents.
Many know the species for its highly aromatic profile. Its leaves have been used in stews, soups, and other meals for centuries.
This species typically comes in pink flowers but these may also be purple.
A common sight in grasslands, the species also has other uses apart from cooking.
Its flowers are collected to make dye.
While purple, these can be turned into the pink natural dye. A type of mint wildflower, this species has hairy leaves which are also aromatic and which grow short white hairs.
69. New York Ironweed
A North American species, New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) is one of the species that only comes in dark purple coloring.
Its flowers are dark purple and can be seen blooming in the summer.
A widespread weed, this is also a species that’s difficult to remove from its established moist soils.
Its habitat spreads from New York and Florida in the East to Alabama in the Southwest.
New York Ironweed is a type of aster which means it attracts wildlife.
The wildflower has distinct spotless elongated green leaves.
70. Notch-leaf Scorpionweed
Purple flowers are specific to the Notch-leaf Scorpionweed (Phacelia crenulata). This is a species that grows in the Southwestern US habitats as well as in Northwestern Mexico.
The plant has vivid purple coloring with green central pieces.
The species is not ideal in gardens and it should not be handled as it causes skin irritation. In sensitive people, it can even cause mild dermatitis.
71. Western Horsenettle
Purple and yellow flowers are specific to the Western Horsenettle (Solanum dimidiatum). This is a species found across different states.
It also shows an invasive profile in introduced states such as California.
A type of weed here, the wildflower may be very difficult to control as it establishes in areas of disturbed lands.
The plant can be tall in these disturbed areas where it can grow to a height of over 40 inches.
72. Musk Stork’s-Bill
Purple flowers bloom on Musk Stork’s-Bill (Erodium moschatum). This is a species that stands out with its leaves made from multiple smaller leaves.
Native to Northeastern US habitats, Musk Stork’s-Bill is a species that can be found in Maine.
Now an introduced species around the world, this wildflower is in bloom in early summer, but only up until July.
Some of the best places to spot colorful species include coastal areas around The East Coast.
The wildflower can be identified by its distinct smell of musk, which also inspires its name.
73. Lilac Chaste Tree
Native to Europe, Lilac Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has been introduced in North America as a decorative shrub.
This species can be trained to grow similarly to a tree. It can have a single trunk or it may as well grow with multiple trunks.
Its maximum size depends on its region. The species is ideally grown in the Southern parts of the US.
While it can also grow in the Northern states, it can die over the cold months.
The species can be pruned into a specific shape and it often grows back even with excessive pruning.
Its flowers have a purple or lavender color and can have a long bloom season.
This shrub grows more vigorous purple flowers under heavy pruning.