Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)





     The Common Blue Violet is an annual, native wildflower. The heart-shaped leaves of this four to10-inch violet are topped by 1-inch purple flowers. The flowers have five petals. The three lower petals are somewhat hairy. The leaves are heart-shaped and scalloped toothed.  The erect flower stem droops slightly. It grows in medium wet, well drained, rich soil in shade or partial shade in woodlands. It is a host plant for a group of butterflies known as fritillaries. (EW)