Violets
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This group of herbaceous (non-woody) plants has a bilaterally symmetrical (2-sided) 5-petaled flowers, often with bushy stamens forming a "beard" inside. Many have tasty, edible flowers and leaves, although the yellow violet, which grows in wetlands, may cause gastrointestinal distress. Don't eat African "violets," which aren't true violets.
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Common Blue Violet (Viola papilionacea)
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This is the most common species, with a sterile violet-colored flower that blooms in the spring. There are no leaves on the flower stalk. The heart-shaped, shallow-toothed leaves arise separately from the ground. They're good to eat in springtime, but become tough and coarse in the summer. Poisonous dwarf larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) has a similar violet flower, but with a "spur" behind the flower, and a different leaf. Monkshood (Aconitum uncinatum), also poisonous, has a large, helmet-like upper sepal that covers 2 petals. |
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Common Blue Violet Flowers and Leaves
Note the 2-sided violet flowers with beautifully veined petals. |
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Violet Meadow
Violet Brill enjoys playing with and eating violets in a meadow full of her namesake. |
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Violets grow in partially shaded spots in moist woods, and in meadows and gardens. They spread by underground rhizomes (which are toxic), creating dense stands of plants.
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Common Blue Violet Fruit
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A cryptic (hidden) flower appears in autumn, growing close to the ground, self-fertilizing and setting seed.
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White Violet Flower
The white violet's flowers and leaves are also edible. Note the "beard" of fuzzy stamens in the lower petals. |
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Blue-White Violet Hybrid
This hybrid between blue and white species is also quite beautiful and tasty. |
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