Ask the Expert: Plant Identification

Scilla siberica

Scilla siberica

This plant has come up in my flower bed, and I do not know what it is.  I thought it might be a type of wild crocus, but I honestly have no idea.  I was curious if someone could identify it.  I live in Eastern Tennessee.  The first photo shows the blooms fairly well, although they are a much darker purple.  The second shows the leave structure (albeit with blurry flowers).  Gina

Reply:

I immediately thought of two plants when I saw the pcitures – Scilla siberica or Chinonodoxa which are related.  I believe it is the Scilla siberica since the blooms tend to point downward.  The Chinonodoxa tend to face straight on.