Viola lanceolata

Lanced Leaved Violet, Madison Pasterchick

Common Name(s) Lance Leaved Violet, White Bog Violet
Scientific Name Viola lanceolata
Family Violaceae
Location/Vegetative Zone Freshwater bogs, swamps, wet meadows and along shores in sandy soil
Flowering Period May-June
Identifying Characteristics 10-15cm tall, lance-shaped leaves, 5 white petals- middle bottom petal has purple veins

Description

  • Perennial plant
  • Grows 10-15 cm tall
  • Leaves
    • Narrow 2-6″ long, 1/4-3/4″ across
    • Lance-shaped
    • Smooth
    • Wider in the summer than the spring
  • White flowers
    • Bottom three petals typically have purple veins
    • Blooms for 3 weeks, from May-June
  • After blooming, flowers turn into green elliptical shaped fruit capsules about ¼in long containing many small, dark brown seeds
  • Habitat:
    • Freshwater bogs, swamps, wet meadows, and along sandy shores
    • Grows in sandy soil
    • Originates in North America, but can be found in many states across the US and Canada
    • Likes full sun and moist to wet conditions

Misc

  • Is considered an ornamental plant, and can be used in flower arrangements
  • Often hybridizes with the White Northern Violet (Viola macloskeyi) to form a combination plant, Primrose-leaved Violet (Viola primulifolia)

Sources

Viola lanceolata“. Go Botany. New England Wild Flower Society. Web.

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