Northern Bog Violet

(Viola nephrophylla)

Northern Bog Violet (Viola nephrophylla Greene)

Identification: Leaves basal and flowers on separate stalks. Flowers blue to blue-violet, the petals darker toward the throat of the flower and both lateral and lower petals bearded (erect hairs). Flower stalks not elongate and flowers not rising above the level of the leaves. Leaves heart shaped, not elongate or produced at the apex.

Distribution: Throughout Canada and southward in the eastern United States to Iowa and Illinois in the west to West Virginia in the east. Also occurs throughout most of the central and western United States.

Habitat: Northern Bog Violet is primarily a species of the northern taiga forest in bogs, along lake shores, and other wet spots.

Similar Species: Northern Bog Violet is similar to Marsh Blue Violet. The flowers of Marsh Blue Violet usually rise above the level of the leaves, but those of Northern Bog Violet usually do not. The flowers of Northern Bog Violet are bluer than those of Marsh Blue Violet. Northern Bog Violet is a more northern species than Marsh Blue Violet.