Arctic Marsh Violet

(Viola palustris)

 

   

 

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Arctic Marsh Violet (Viola palustris L.)

Identification: Leaves basal and flowers on separate stalks. Flowers light lilac, sometimes nearly white, with a short spur. Leaves heart-shaped with a broad indentation between the leaf blade and leaf stalk. Plants connected by long, underground runners.

Distribution: Throughout the boreal regions of Canada and southward in the east to New England and New York. Also occurs in the montane regions of the western United States.

Habitat: Arctic Marsh Violet is found in marshes and other habitats with wet soil.

Flowering period: June to August.

Similar Species: Arctic Marsh Violet is similar to Great-spurred Violet. However the flower spur is much shorter and the indentation between the flower blade and stalk is wide and open.

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