common blue violet

Family

Violaceae

Scientific Name

Viola sororia

Other Common Names:

hooded blue violet

dooryard violet

meadow violet

woolly blue violet

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Viola latiuscula

Viola papilionacea var. priceana

Viola palmata var sororia

Viola floridana

Viola priceana

Viola palmata

Viola papilionacea

Habit

This low growing, spreading, perennial flowers from April through June.

Leaves

The heart-shaped leaves occur on long petioles arising from the basal crown. Leaves are hairless and have a rounded, toothed margin.

Identifying Characteristics

This plant can be identified by its heart-shaped leaves, purple flowers, and rhizomes. The lowest petal on the flower is also lacking a spur, helping distinguish it from a great-spurred violet.

Flower Seed Head

The bluish purple flowers occur on leafless stalks that grow to the same height as the leaves. Each flower has 5 petals, with the lateral petals being bearded or hairy at the base.

Seed Fruit

The seeds develop in a three-parted capsule that is capable of ejecting the seeds when ripe.

Where Found

This plant can be found in damp soils near woods and meadows. Tolerant of most areas, this plant does not grow in the extreme north or south locations of the United States.

Growth Habit

prostrate and nonwoody

Thorns or Spines

not present

Approximate Flower Diameter

Varies:

dime,

nickle,

quarter

Dominant Flower Color

Varies:

white,

yellow,

blue,

purple

Flower Symmetry

bilateral symmetry

Leaf Hairs

no hairs

Leaf Shape

Varies:

round,

heart,

triangle

Leaf Arrangement

rosette

Leaf Margin

serrated

Leaf Structure

simple

Leaf Stalk

longer than leaf

Stem Hairs

no hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Root Structure

Varies:

fibrous,

rhizomes present

Life Cycle

perennial

Ochrea

not present

Plant Type

Herb