Wildflowers: Please help identify these two beauties

Attached are two very pretty wildflowers I have growing in my pasture. They bloomed in the fall, which is when I took the pictures. A neighbor said the purple one is a noxious weed and I should remove it, but I want to be sure before I do so. I was hoping someone would be able to indentify them. Thanks

 

The purple one looks like Liatris, not Lythrum.

 

Agreed re: Liatris, 11 species native to Florida.

The second one, hmm. Perhaps something in the Polemoniaceae or phlox family?

 

How wise! I have noticed a growing mania for destroying plants that people are unfamiliar with under the pretext of caring for the environment. Often the threatened, endangered plants are the victims. What is also interesting is that truly invasive, taking-over species are treated with total indifference by the same people.

 

The first "noxious" weed is Liatris (Common names include blazing star and gayfeather). I have recently planted about 100 corms in my yard. You are lucky to still have native species growing on your land.

 

I am so happy that it is Liatris. It is so beautiful and attracts such beautiful butterflies. I will gladly keep it. I am so happy that I have found this site and that so many knowledgeable people are willing to share and identify wildflowers. Thank you so much.

 

For the white flower, try Sabatia brevifolia or possinly S. difformis or S. macrophylla.

 

I believe it is Sabatia brevifolia. We have a lot of wetlands on our property and it seems to fit the description. Thanks for your help on both this and the laitris.

 

Not necessarily in favor of plant removal but if this "pasture" is in use for grazing livestock you should check out toxicity issues.

 

Yes you are right, the safety of my livestock is my main concern, which is why I am trying to identify all the plants in the pasture that I am not familiar with. It seems like there are so many toxic plants that I am amazed that animals can even survive on pasture.

Fortunately the area where most of the wildflowers grow is wetlands and we have agreed that we will fence off an acre or so to preserve as many of the native plants as possible, while being watchful that they don't invade the pasture. With that and good pasture management both worlds should be able to co-exist.

 

Hi Nova.
What a sensible and refreshing attitude you have!
Thank you for brightening my day!
Margaret