At first glance, this might be identified as a weed, but it's all from perspective of the observer. Look a little closer, and you'll spy small purple flowers. There's a not so pretty name to go along with this not so pretty plant, but because it is a harbinger of spring, you gotta love it anyway! Purple deadnettle is a member of the mint family. If you twirl the stem between your thumb and finger, you'll notice that like all mints, the stem is actually square, not round. A

As you travel our trails this time of year, you will be sure to spot some of our native wildflowers. If it's purple, it just may be one of these. The larger purple flowered violet comes in about 15 different varieties and not all violets are violet. You can also find them in yellow and white. The smaller purple flowered ground ivy spreads like.....ivy! #flower #wv #wildflower