Early Blue Violet

(Viola palmata)

Early Blue Violet (Viola palmata L.)

Identification: Leaves basal, flowers on separate stalks. Flowers violet-blue, two lateral and lower petals bearded (erect hairs). Stem may be hairy or smooth. Leaves typically divided into a number of large lobes, although some may be unlobed and heart-shaped.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America.

Habitat: Early Blue Violet is found in woods and along limestone ledges and slopes.

Flowering period: April to May.

Similar Species: The leaf shape of the Early Blue Violet is extremely variable. The lobes vary in width, length and number and a few leaves may not have any lobes at all. All lobes are wider than in either Birdfoot Violet, Priarie Violet, or Coast Violet. The lobes of Arrow-leaved Violet (if present) are confined to the base of the leaf and the leaf itself is elongate and narrow.

Comments: Three-lobed Violet (Viola triloba) and Stone's Violet (Viola stoneana), previously considered to be good species, are now treated as synonyms of Early Blue Violet.