Marsh Blue Violet

(Viola cucullata)

Marsh Blue Violet (Viola cucullata Ait.)

Identification: Leaves basal and flowers on separate stems. Flowers violet with petals darker toward the throat of the flower. Lower petal shorter than the two lateral petals and only lateral petals with beards (erect hairs). Flower stems long, flowers higher than the leaves. Leaves heart shaped, but not elongate or produced at the apex.

Distribution: Throughout most of eastern North America.

Habitat: Marsh Blue Violet is found in bogs, marshes, wet meadows and other wet habitats.

Flowering period: April to June.

Similar Species: Marsh Blue Violet is most similar to Common Blue Violet. However the petals of Marsh Blue Violet are darker toward the throat of the flower, not lighter. The flower stems of Marsh Blue Violet are very long and the flowers rise above the level of the leaves. The flowers of Common Blue Violet are usually intermixed with the leaves.