American dog violet (Viola labradorica, Denkschr. Königl.-Baier. Bot. Ges. Regensburg 1(2): 12 (1818))

Family: Violaceae

Author: Schrank

Bibliography: Denkschr. Königl.-Baier. Bot. Ges. Regensburg 1(2): 12 (1818)

Year: 1818

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Subarctic America to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The American dog violet, scientifically known as Viola labradorica, is a delicate and charming flower that belongs to the Violaceae family. This enchanting plant is native to a vast range that extends from the subarctic regions of America through to the central and eastern United States. Observed thriving in various climates across these regions, the American dog violet exhibits remarkable adaptability and resilience.

First described by Schrank in a detailed account published in 1818 in the Denkschriften der Königlichen Baierischen Botanischen Gesellschaft zu Regensburg, the American dog violet has since captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its botanical name, Viola labradorica, reflects its link to Labrador, one of the locales where it is frequently found.

The plant is celebrated for its subtle yet captivating appearance. The blooms are typically a gentle shade of violet, contributing a splash of color to the often harsh landscapes where it flourishes. Despite its unassuming size, the American dog violet plays an important role in its native habitats, supporting local ecosystems and providing a source of nectar for various pollinators.

Viola labradorica epitomizes the beauty and endurance of flora that populate subarctic to temperate regions. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments makes it a subject of study for those interested in plant adaptability and environmental interactions. The American dog violet continues to be appreciated both in wild botanic settings and as a quaint addition to gardens seeking a touch of natural elegance.

Common Names

Eng: alpine violet, american dog violet, dog violet, labrador violet, northern blue violet
Fra: violette du labrador, violette décombante, violette bleu-pâle
En: American dog violet, Alpine violet, Labrador violet, Dog violet, Northern blue violet
Fr: Violette décombante, Violette du labrador, Violette bleu-pâle
Fa: بنفشه لابرادور
Pl: Fiołek labradorski

Synonyms

• Viola muhlenbergii (Torr.)
• Viola muhlenbergiana var. minor (Hook.)
• Viola muhlenbergiana var. albiflora (Hook.)
• Viola conspersa (Rchb.)
• Viola muhlenbergii var. albiflora ((Hook.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Viola leucopetala (Greene)
• Viola muhlenbergiana (Ging.)
• Viola canina var. muhlenbergii ((Torr.) A.Gray)
• Viola adunca var. minor ((Hook.) Fernald)
• Viola muhlenbergii var. pubescens (A.Gray)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Leslie Fleming (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Cheryl Snow (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2021 by Claudia Schmieder (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by laura puryear (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2021 by Meg Dettamanti (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Lisa Pascal (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2022 by Jade Gilliat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by C Flower (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Leslie Fleming (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2020 by Jennifer Caré (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 9, 2013 by EOL − hobiecat (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 17, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 13, 2012 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 30, 2014 by EOL − James Maughn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 2, 2014 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Sep 28, 2022 by Marieke Jelsma (cc-by-sa)

© 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/5331200)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:868477-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola labradorica Schrank)

Specifications

Growth