Al Schneider's Rocky Mountains Plant Descriptions

Canada Violet
Viola canadensis
Violet family (Violaceae)

In early spring this white violet can carpet woods from low to high mountains. The plant grows to twelve inches tall depending on growing conditions. It is easy to spot because of its bright white flowers which are actually often tinged with a faint pink, especially on the back side. Canada Violet is high in vitamins A and C. Violets are edible and often enjoyed raw in salads. Canada Violet is distinguished from other woodland violets by its white, rather than blue or yellow petals.


©2010 Craig Althen, downloaded from the
University of Washington Burke Museum

Description

, 6-12" tall, with white flowers, 5-petaled with yellow centers. Flowers may be purple-tinged on the outer petal margin. Lower 3 petals have fine purple lines pointing to the flower's center and the 2 side petals are hairy at their base. Broad, heart-shaped leaves are sharp-tipped and . is a .

Field Marks

White violet with yellow center and purple lines on lower 3 petals.

© Al Schneider

A herb is a plant whose stems die back to the ground in the winter.

capsule -- a type of simple, dry fruit produced by many species of flowering plants. In most cases the capsule splits apart to release seeds.

fruit -- any seed-bearing structure in flowering plants. It is formed from the ovary after flowering.

alternate -- leaves alternate along the main stem and are attached singly.

A perennial plant lives and blooms for many years.