Guide to Area Violets

American dog violet - Viola labradorica 
​Uncommon woodland species, characterized by heart-shaped basal leaves and spurred flowers.

​Arrow-leaved violet - Viola sagittata
Uncommon in open woods and prairies. Arrow-shaped leaves are diagnostic.

​Bird's foot violet - Viola pedata 
Our largest violet, featuring lavender petals and orange stamens.

​Common blue violet - Viola sororia
Our most common violet; side petals are bearded.

​Cream violet - Viola striata  Our only common white violet. Nodes have leafy, toothed stipules.

​Downy yellow violet - Viola pubescens  Our only local yellow violet. Common in moist woods.

​Field pansy - Viola rafinesquii  An abundant smaller weed in grassy areas. Leaves are linear.

​Lance-leaved violet - Viola lanceolata  An uncommon wetland species. White flowers, linear leaves.

​Long-spurred violet - Viola rostrata  Uncommon woodland species with half-inch flower spurs. Leaves are heart-shaped.

​Marsh blue violet - Viola cucullata Similar to V sororia; this less common species bears flowers on separate, slightly taller stalks.

Three-lobed violet - Viola palmata  A common small woodland species. Lobed leaves make for an easy ID.

​Sweet white violet - Viola blanda. (no page for this species)  A plant of higher latitudes and altitudes, rare in our area. Found on cool, shady cliff faces.