Triodanis perfoliata; Campanulaceae (bellflower family) [formerly Specularia perfoliata in the lobelia family]

It’s the time of year when blue and purple take over, or so it seems.  Look at what I’ve posted recently.

This is a pretty plant, standing about one foot tall (sometimes taller), always single-stemmed, and with flowers appearing singly in the leaf axils.  It prefers dry, nutrient-poor soils; in this area look for it along rocky bluffs along the edge of the river.  It’s found in every state in the US except Nevada, and in most of Canada.

mug shot: