common dog-violet
ExplorePlants
common dog-violet
Viola riviniana
The common dog-violet is a pretty little flower that blooms in spring. It has lovely purple petals and can often be found in grassy areas and woodlands, bringing color to nature.
Habitat: Woodlands and grassy areas
Appearance
The common dog-violet has small, scentless, deep purple flowers, sometimes whitish, with a distinct spurred lower petal. Its leaves are heart-shaped and dark green. It often grows in clumps, forming a low, spreading carpet.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyViolaceaeGenusViola
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its name 'dog' means common or wild, not related to actual dogs!
Its young leaves and flowers are edible and can be added to salads!
Some butterfly caterpillars *only* eat dog-violet leaves to grow big.
Unlike other violets, its beautiful purple flowers have no scent.
Special abilities
Ability
Hidden Seeds
Common dog-violet can produce cleistogamous flowers that never open, ensuring seeds are made even without pollinators.
Ability
Ant Deliveries
Common dog-violet has seeds with a fatty attachment called an elaiosome, which ants carry away to help spread them.
Ability
Winter Survivor
Common dog-violet forms a low rosette of leaves close to the ground, which helps it survive colder winter months.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-20 cm
- Spread
- 10-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eaten by
Dark Green Fritillary
Argynnis aglaja
Its caterpillars feed on violet leaves.
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits its open flowers for nectar and pollen.
depends on
Black garden ant
Lasius niger
Disperses its seeds, attracted by a fatty elaiosome.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't pick flowers, so everyone can enjoy them!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify common dog-violet?
The easiest way to identify common dog-violet is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is common dog-violet?
5-20 cm
How wide does common dog-violet spread?
10-30 cm
How big are the flowers on common dog-violet?
1-2 cm
When does common dog-violet bloom?
Spring
Is common dog-violet edible?
Yes
Is common dog-violet toxic?
Mild
What is common dog-violet's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
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