Long-spurred violet
ExplorePlants
Long-spurred violet
Viola rostrata
The Long-spurred violet is a lovely flower with pretty purple petals and long, pointy spurs. It blooms in spring and can be found in shady places like forests and along streams.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Long-spurred violet has distinctive heart-shaped to kidney-shaped leaves and vibrant purple-blue to white flowers. Its most striking feature is a remarkably long, slender spur, often longer than the petals, extending backward from the flower.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyViolaceaeGenusViola
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its scientific name 'rostrata' means 'beaked' in Latin, referring to its distinct long spur!
Many Fritillary butterfly caterpillars can only eat violet leaves to grow into adult butterflies!
Native Americans traditionally used violet leaves to make soothing teas and healing poultices.
You can eat its fresh leaves and vibrant flowers, which are full of healthy vitamins C and A!
Special abilities
Ability
Nectar Beacon
Long-spurred violet has an extra-long spur that stores sweet nectar, guiding long-tongued pollinators like bees to its delicious reward.
Ability
Ant Snack-Pack
Long-spurred violet seeds come with a tiny fatty treat called an elaiosome, encouraging ants to carry them away and spread new plants!
Ability
Secret Seeds
Long-spurred violet can produce hidden, unopened flowers near the ground that self-pollinate, ensuring seeds even when insects are scarce.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-20 cm
- Spread
- 10-25 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Bombus impatiens
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on leaves and tender shoots
eaten by
Great Spangled Fritillary
Speyeria cybele
Caterpillars feed on violet leaves
symbiotic with
Rough Harvester Ant
Aphaenogaster rudis
Carries seeds for their lipid-rich elaiosomes
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
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.
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.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't pick flowers without asking an adult first, so we can enjoy them in nature!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Long-spurred violet?
5-20 cm
How wide does Long-spurred violet spread?
10-25 cm
How big are the flowers on Long-spurred violet?
1-2 cm
When does Long-spurred violet bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is Long-spurred violet edible?
Yes
Is Long-spurred violet toxic?
None
What is Long-spurred violet's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Long-spurred violet pollinated?
Insect
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