Sand Violet

(Viola affinis)

Sand Violet (Viola affinis LeConte)

Identification: Leaves basal and flowers on separate stalks. Flowers violet to light violet and with two lateral and lower petal bearded (erect hairs). Leaves elongate-triangular with pointed apex and outer margins commonly rolled up.

Distribution: Found throughout eastern and central North America.

Habitat: Sand Violet is most commonly found along the banks of streams and creeks or on the surrounding floodplain.

Flowering period: April to May.

Similar Species: Sand Violet is similar to Common Blue Violet. However the leaves are more tiangular and elongate with an acute apex. The lower petal of Sand Violet is always bearded, but only rarely so in Common Blue Violet. Sand Violet most resembles New England Blue Violet. New England Blue Violet is covered with fine hairs and the flower petals are darker and have a reddish tint.

Comments: The Missouri Violet (Viola missouriensis), previously considered to be a good species, is now treated as a synonym of the Sand Violet.