ExplorePlants

Early Dog-violet

Viola reichenbachiana

The Early Dog-violet is a pretty purple flower that blooms in spring. It loves to grow in woodlands and grassy areas, bringing color to the forest floor.

Habitat: Woodlands

Appearance

The Early Dog-violet has glossy, heart-shaped leaves and small, deep violet-purple flowers with a distinct white spur. Its lower petals often show fine darker lines, and it holds its blooms upright, distinguishing it from other close relatives.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyViolaceaeGenusViola
Early Dog-violet
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Early Dog-violet

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Early Dog-violet seeds have a tiny, tasty snack on them that ants love to carry away!

Its bright purple blooms are one of the first splashes of vibrant color you'll see in spring!

Some of its flowers never open but still make seeds – it's a secret gardener!

The lowest petal has guiding lines and a spur, like a tiny landing strip for thirsty bees!

Special abilities

Ability

Ant Gardener

Early Dog-violet has special fatty attachments on its seeds that ants collect, helping to spread its seeds far and wide.

Ability

Spring Pioneer

This violet can bloom very early in spring, taking advantage of precious sunlight before tree leaves develop fully.

Measurements & details

Height
5-15 cm
Spread
5-10 cm
Flower Size
1-1.5 cm
Bloom Season
Early spring to late spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from its flowers.

symbiotic with

Red wood ant

Formica rufa

Disperses seeds by carrying elaiosome-rich seeds to nests.

eaten by

Silver-washed Fritillary

Argynnis paphia

Its larvae feed on the leaves of various violet species.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not pick flowers without permission, and always be gentle with plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Early Dog-violet?

5-15 cm

How wide does Early Dog-violet spread?

5-10 cm

How big are the flowers on Early Dog-violet?

1-1.5 cm

When does Early Dog-violet bloom?

Early spring to late spring

Is Early Dog-violet edible?

Yes

Is Early Dog-violet toxic?

Mild

What is Early Dog-violet's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Early Dog-violet pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Plants