I was jogging down a local nature path recently when I flash of purple caught my eye. It should be no surprise that I am constantly looking along paths I travel for any new wildflowers to discover. This one was very small so I made a note of its location and came back a few hours later with my camera.
Known as Bittersweet Nightshade, this dainty flower is easily identified by its five dark purple flowers with pointed yellow center, and sits on a weak vine. It flowers from May to September, with green berries eventually ripening to varying shades of red. Another common name for this wildflower is Deadly Nightshade, as it is toxic. While not fatal, it can harm young children if the berries are eaten in any quantity.