I remember planting some Ajuga a few years ago, thought they died. Also had a Salvia of some sort in this general vicinity that I seem to recall looked a little like it. But, again, that was some years back. After all this time, this little one popped up. Whatcha think it is?

I'll guess Ajuga.

I vote Ajuga also. Looks just like mine

Ajuga.

Yea!!! That makes me happy because I really didn't like that Salvia--shovel pruned it after two years. Thank you.

lovemyhouse said:Yea!!! That makes me happy because I really didn't like that Salvia--shovel pruned it after two years. Thank you.

I just googled Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout'...
Found very similar images.

Personally... I like salvia lyrata ...
not as a garden plant, but it makes a very nice turf alternative!
(anything is better than useless turf)

I doubt that we're going to know what this is... until the blooms open.

stone, yep, that is the Salvia I had and dug out. I liked the foliage well enough, but it need a lot more water than I am willing to give plants. Was an experiment that seems to be continuing on an independent basis. Could have set seed? Will be back with photographs when the blooms open. Thank you.

Salvia lyrata should not need extra water...
At my house in the sandhills, it does fine...

Yes... Salvia lyrata is incredibly seedy.... Too seedy for the garden... I pull it after bloom, and toss it out in the yard, in the bare spots.

Very tough native wildflower...

Not sure where my pictures are with the butterflies n bees n stuff....

stone, we are in an extreme drought, bordering on Exceptional (the worst category), so all non-desert plants need supplemental water, even those where it wouldn't usually be the case.

Here is the new bloom stalk

Debra,
That looks like Salvia lyrata. That bloom stalk will likely be cleistogamous, which means that is will set seeds without blooming. They usually only have the actual flowers in the spring or, occasionally, when there is cooler weather and sufficient rain.

Danita said:Debra,
...That bloom stalk will likely be cleistogamous, which means that is will set seeds without blooming.

Interesting, Danita. I had no idea that plants could do this. I learned something new today!

Me too!