western roundleaf violet
ExplorePlants
western roundleaf violet
Viola orbiculata
The western roundleaf violet is a pretty little flower with round leaves and lovely purple petals. It loves to grow in shady places and adds color to the forest floor.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The western roundleaf violet has bright yellow flowers with fine brown-purple lines on its lower petals, making it distinct from many other violets. Its glossy, dark green leaves are nearly perfectly round or kidney-shaped, forming a low-growing patch on the forest floor.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyViolaceaeGenusViola
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
If you look closely, you might see tiny "nectar guides" on the petals, like a bee's landing strip!
Its beautiful leaves and flowers are actually edible, tasting a bit like lettuce!
Some types of violet flowers never even open, staying closed to make seeds in secret!
The word "violet" usually means purple, but this amazing flower shows off bright yellow petals!
Special abilities
Ability
Seed Snapper
The western roundleaf violet can snap open its seed pods, launching tiny seeds away to grow new plants far from the parent.
Ability
Ant Attractor
Its seeds have a fatty treat called an elaiosome, which tricks ants into carrying and planting them somewhere new.
Ability
Shade Seeker
This violet has broad, flat leaves that effectively capture sunlight in the dappled shade of its forest habitat.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-15 cm
- Spread
- 10-20 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Deer often browse on its tender leaves and flowers.
pollinates
Western Bumblebee
Bombus occidentalis
Busy bumblebees visit its flowers for sweet nectar and pollen.
depends on
Silky Ant
Formica fusca
Ants carry its special seeds to their nests, helping them grow elsewhere.
eaten by
Banana Slug
Ariolimax columbianus
Slugs enjoy munching on its fresh, round leaves in moist areas.
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.
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.
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 they can keep growing for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is western roundleaf violet?
5-15 cm
How wide does western roundleaf violet spread?
10-20 cm
How big are the flowers on western roundleaf violet?
1-2 cm
When does western roundleaf violet bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is western roundleaf violet edible?
Yes
Is western roundleaf violet toxic?
None
What is western roundleaf violet's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is western roundleaf 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.
.jpg&width=800)
