Family: Violaceae
Author: Sm.
Bibliography: Engl. Bot. 7: t. 445 (1798)
Year: 1798
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Viola
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: W. Europe
Description
The Pale Dog Violet, scientifically known as Viola lactea, is a distinguished member of the Violaceae family. First documented in 1798 in the seminal botanical work “English Botany,” illustrated in volume 7 on plate 445 by the botanist Sm., this species stands out due to its delicate and pale-hued blooms.
Predominantly found across Western Europe, the Pale Dog Violet thrives in a variety of habitats, showcasing its resilience and adaptability. This lovely, perennial herb typically flourishes in open, grassy areas, where it forms part of the region’s rich floral tapestry.
The plant is characterized by its heart-shaped leaves and subtle, pale lilac to whitish flowers, which confer a sense of gentleness and understated beauty. Blooms generally appear from late spring to early summer, attracting the admiration of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Viola lactea is not merely visually appealing; it also contributes to the ecosystem by providing nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This attribute makes it a significant species within its natural habitat, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
Understanding the Pale Dog Violet involves not just appreciating its aesthetic charm but also acknowledging its role in the broader environmental context. It serves as a reminder of the intricate and interdependent relationships within nature, emphasizing the importance of conserving such vital plant species.
Flourishing across Western Europe, the Pale Dog Violet remains an emblem of natural beauty and ecological importance, underscoring the richness of the continent’s flora. Its simple yet striking presence continues to inspire and evoke a deeper connection with the natural world.
Common Names
Deu: milchweißes veilchen
Eng: pale dog violet, pale dog-violet, pale heath violet
Cym: fioled welw, fioledau gwelw, millyn gwelw grugog, myllynen melynwen
En: Pale dog violet, Pale Dog-violet, Pale Heath Violet
Nl: Echt melkviooltje, Melkviooltje
Fr: Violette lactée, Violette blanc de lait, Violette blanchâtre, Violette couleur de lait
De: Milchweißes Veilchen
Oc: Violeta blanc de lach, Violeta lactèa
Cy: Fioled welw, Fioledau Gwelw, Millyn Gwelw Grugog, Myllynen Melynwen
Synonyms
- Viola canina subsp. lancifolia ((Thore) Wigand)
- Viola canina var. pumiliformis (Rouy & Foucaud)
- Viola ruppii var. lusitanica ((Brot.) Samp.)
- Viola lamiifolia (Pritz.)
- Viola canina subsp. lusitanica ((Brot.) Rouy & Foucaud)
- Viola montana var. lactea ((Sm.) Ging.)
- Viola ruppii var. pumiliformis ((Rouy & Foucaud) Samp.)
- Viola canina var. lactea ((Sm.) Gray)
- Viola canina subsp. lactea (Corb.)
- Viola canina var. major (Rouy & Foucaud)
- Viola lusitana (Brot.)
- Viola lactea var. minor (Lázaro Ibiza)
- Viola lactea var. pumiliformis ((Rouy & Foucaud) Samp.)
Distribution
- France (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Spain (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Philippe THOMAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2021 by Fanny Staudre (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2022 by Ferris Parelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2022 by Ferris Parelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2017 by Beverly Patrick (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 20, 2019 by Stéphan PLAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2021 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2022 by miloslav buben (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2022 by robertt Terral (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Laurent (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 8, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Philippe Thomas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 28, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Philippe THOMAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Philippe THOMAS (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken May 31, 1852 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-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/7946708)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:868484-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola lactea Sm.)