Dog Violet
ExplorePlants
Dog Violet
Viola canina L.
Dog Violet is a special type of violet with beautiful purple flowers. It grows in woods and is a favorite of many insects.
Habitat: Woodlands and shady areas
Appearance
The Dog Violet has small, beautiful blue-violet flowers, often with darker streaks near the center, and heart-shaped leaves. Unlike its "sweet" cousins, these unscented blooms grow on upright stems that can reach up to 25 cm tall, making them distinct.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyViolaceaeGenusViola
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
After blooming, this clever plant can make hidden flowers that never open but still produce seeds!
It's called 'dog' violet because it doesn't have a strong scent like other violets!
Some butterfly caterpillars, like Fritillaries, absolutely love munching on Dog Violet leaves!
You can eat the leaves and flowers – they're good in salads or as a colourful garnish!
Special abilities
Ability
Secret Seeds
Dog Violet can grow closed flowers that self-pollinate, ensuring it makes seeds even if no insects visit!
Ability
Ant Taxi
Dog Violet's seeds have a tasty treat for ants, who carry them far away to help new plants grow.
Ability
Sun Spotter
Dog Violet can adjust its leaf angle to catch more sunlight in shady spots or protect itself in bright areas.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-25 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar and pollen
depends on
Dark Green Fritillary
Argynnis aglaja
Caterpillars feed on leaves
symbiotic with
European Red Ant
Myrmica rubra
Disperses seeds for elaiosome
eaten by
Roe Deer
Capreolus capreolus
Browses on leaves and flowers
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.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Common Dog Violet
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Dog Violet?
10-25 cm
How wide does Dog Violet spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Dog Violet?
1-2.5 cm
When does Dog Violet bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is Dog Violet edible?
Yes
Is Dog Violet toxic?
None
What is Dog Violet's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is 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.
