Can Anyone identify this plant?

[lyla'sdeedee]

I came across this plant while hiking,
Can any identify it?

 

[JBtheExplorer]

It's a member of the legume family. That's about as much as I know. Some legumes are native, and very beneficial to wildlife, like wild lupine, baptisia, or partridge pea. Some are non-native, like crown vetch, which takes over roadsides.

Yours are none of the above, so I'm not really sure. I did a quick internet search and wasn't able to find a match, but I'm sure the answer is out there somewhere.

 

[Larisa]

It's Tephrosia virginiana.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

It's Tephrosia virginiana.

Nice! That's a native plant here.

 

[lyla'sdeedee]

Aahhhhh!! Oh what a relief! I've spent hours trying to figure this out! Should have joined this forum years ago.
Thanks so much!

 

[Tjohn]

I'm so glad to know their real name! My field is full of purple ones that the locals call"tree orchids".