Wood violet, Palmate violet, Wild okra
Viola palmata
Family: Violaceae
What it is like
A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It has a thick, long underground stem or rhizome. The leaves are 5-12 cm long. They are widest near the base and have 5-11 lobes. There can be teeth along the edge. The flowers are reddish-violet. They occur singly at the top of the flower stalk. They are 2-5 cm across. They have 5 petals and the side ones have a short spur to the back. The fruit is an oval capsule. It is 5-15 mm long.
There are about 500 Viola species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on the edges of woodlands and in moist fields. It is often along streams and ponds. They do well in acidic soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
North America, USA
How it is used for food
It is mucilaginous and is used for making soup. The fresh flowers and leaves can be eaten raw. They can be used in salads or cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The flowers are used for jellies, jams, syrups and candies.
Edible parts
Flowers, leaves
How it is grown
Plants are grown by seeds or division of the roots.