Common name:
Canadian white violet
Family:
Scientific name:
Viola canadensis
Synonym:
Viola rugulosa
Main flower color:
Range:
All the western states except California and Nevada. Less common in the Pacific Northwest
Height:
Between 4 and 16 inches
Habitat:
Moist, wooded locations
Leaves:
Cordate, stalked, up to 4 inches long, with toothed margins and a slightly rough surface
Season:
May to August
The pretty white flowers of viola canadensis have two upper petals, curved slightly backwards, two side petals and one broader lower petal. All are yellow at the base, the lowest 3 have a few parallel purple veins also at the base, while the lower surface of the side petals has a group of short, thick hairs. Underneath are five smaller, light green sepals and a short, yellowish spur. The undersides of the petals may have a pinkish tinge.
Flowers are about 3/4 of an inch in diameter and produced in small numbers (only a few are in bloom at any one time), so they are relatively inconspicuous compared to the large green, heart-shaped leaves, which grow in abundance along the lower stems. Flowers point downwards, and grow from the upper leaf axils. Stems have a covering of very short, rough hairs.
Flowers are about 3/4 of an inch in diameter and produced in small numbers (only a few are in bloom at any one time), so they are relatively inconspicuous compared to the large green, heart-shaped leaves, which grow in abundance along the lower stems. Flowers point downwards, and grow from the upper leaf axils. Stems have a covering of very short, rough hairs.
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