Family: Violaceae
Author: Aiton
Bibliography: Hort. Kew. 3: 290 (1789)
Year: 1789
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Viola
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Striped Violet, scientifically known as Viola striata, is a captivating member of the Violaceae family. First described by Aiton and documented in “Hortus Kewensis” in 1789, this perennial herbaceous plant has garnered attention for both its aesthetic appeal and its geographical spread.
Found primarily in Southeast Canada and extending down through North Carolina and the Eastern United States, the Striped Violet thrives in temperate climates. Its preferred habitats include moist woodlands, shaded valleys, and forest edges where it often grows in rich, loamy soil. This plant’s penchant for cooler, shaded environments underscores its resilience and adaptability.
Characterized by its delicate, white to pale lavender petals adorned with thin, purple stripes, the Striped Violet is a visual delight. The petals often exhibit a zygomorphic shape, and the flower typically blooms in late spring to early summer, contributing to the tapestry of the woodland floor.
Viola striata holds particular ecological significance. Its flowers provide nourishment for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its foliage is consumed by various species of caterpillars. Thus, it plays a dual role, supporting both the reproductive needs of pollinators and the dietary requirements of other fauna.
In addition to its ecological roles, the Striped Violet has been a subject of horticultural interest. Its distinct appearance and relative ease of care make it a popular choice for native plant gardens and restoration projects aimed at promoting biodiversity.
Despite its beauty and utility, knowledge of the Striped Violet’s range and preferred growing conditions is crucial for its conservation. Habitat destruction and climate change present ongoing threats to its natural populations, hence the need for awareness and protective measures to ensure its continued presence in North American flora.
In summary, the Striped Violet (Viola striata) is more than just a pretty face in the Violaceae family. Its contributions to ecological systems, historical documentation, and horticultural value make it a noteworthy plant worthy of both appreciation and protection.
Common Names
Eng: common white violet, cream violet, cream-white violet, pale violet, striped cream violet, striped violet
Fra: violette striée
En: Striped violet, Pale violet, Cream violet, Cream-white violet, Common white violet, Striped cream violet
Fr: Violette striée
Fa: بنفشه خامهای
Synonyms
- Viola repens (Schwein.)
- Viola striata var. lutescens (Alph.Wood ex N.Coleman)
- Lophion striatum ((Aiton) Nieuwl.)
- Viola striata f. albiflora (Farw.)
- Viola debilis f. muhlenbergii (Farw.)
- Viola debilis (Michx.)
- Viola ochroleuca (Schwein.)
- Viola conspersa f. masonii ((Farw.) House)
- Viola lewisiana (Ging.)
- Viola conspersa var. masonii (Farw.)
- Viola adunca f. masonii ((Farw.) B.Boivin)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2021 by Jana Vovk (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2021 by cthulhu mittens (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2021 by Daniel Noel (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 26, 2022 by eyesny (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2020 by Laurie Sullivan (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2020 by Megan Donaldson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2019 by Bob Bob (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 5, 2014 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 10, 2014 by EOL − David Yeany (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 10, 2014 by EOL − David Yeany (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 16, 2014 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2014 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 27, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331184)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:869308-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola striata Aiton)