Identification
This native perennial has leaves and flowers emerging on separate stalks from the roots. The leaves are usually heart-shaped with scalloped margins (C,D). The flowers are usually blue (A), but may also be purple, white (F) or a combination (B). The 5 petaled blue flowers have white throats with dark blue “nectar” lines, most prominent on the broader lower petal which serves as an insect landing pad; a small spur also projects from the back of it. White hairs or “beards” are present at the base of the two side petals (A). Flower shapes and colors of downy blue violets are quite variable; hybrids and planted varieties are also common making some of them difficult to identify positively in the field.
Found in moist woodlands, flowering in April and May. Common along floodplain and upland trails at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods, especially in the hollows.
The Prairie Violet (Viola pedatifida), which may be seen at Neale Woods, also has blue flowers, but it has repeatedly divided leaves
Violet leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, and they have been added to salads or cooked with other greens.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.