Western dog violet, Hooked-spur violet, Purple violet, Early blue violet
Viola adunca
Family: Violaceae
What it is like
A spreading herb. It grows 5-10 cm high and spreads 30-40 cm wide. It keeps growing from year to year. It forms tufts. The leaves are rounded to heart shaped. They are 40 mm long. The flowers are blue to violet. They are 12 mm wide. The fruit is a dry capsule with 3 valves. It has many seeds.
There are about 500 Viola species. It can contain salicylates.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in subarctic zones. It grows in moist places on prairie and open woods. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as a potherb. The flowers can be eaten fresh or candied. The leaves and flowers can be used for tea, or wine.
Edible parts
Flowers, leaves