Canada violet (Viola canadensis, Sp. Pl.: 936 (1753))

Family: Violaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 936 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

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

Description

The Canada violet, formally known as Viola canadensis, is a remarkable member of the Violaceae family. Documented in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this perennial plant boasts a celebrated place in the botanical world.

Native to the subarctic regions of North America, the Canada violet extends its reach across the west-central to eastern United States, showcasing its adaptable and resilient nature. This plant flourishes in a variety of habitats, from the shaded understories of deciduous forests to the cool, moist areas alongside streams and wooded slopes.

Characterized by its delicate, heart-shaped leaves and graceful white to pale lavender flowers, each adorned with a subtle yellow center and faint purple veins, the Canada violet is a captivating addition to any natural landscape. The blooming period typically spans from late spring to early summer, bringing a touch of elegance and tranquility to its surroundings.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Canada violet plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It serves as a nectar source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thus contributing to the biodiversity and ecological health of its native regions. Additionally, the plant’s preference for undisturbed habitats underscores the importance of conserving natural areas to support such indigenous species.

In studying the Canada violet, botanists and nature enthusiasts alike gain deeper insights into the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of North America’s subarctic and temperate zones. Through ongoing research and conservation efforts, the legacy of Viola canadensis continues to thrive, enriching our understanding of the natural world while enhancing the beauty of its native landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: canada violet, canadian white violet, eastern canada violet, tall-white violet, canada white violet, tall white violet
Swe: kanadaviol
Fra: violette du canada
En: Canada violet, Tall-white violet, Eastern Canada violet, Canadian white violet, Canada white violet, Tall white violet
Fr: Violette du Canada
Sv: Kanadaviol

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 6, 2022 by Strawberry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2019 by Liz Guertin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2021 by Laura Mushumanski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Eric Larsen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2021 by overzealousbystrom (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Rochelle Fjeldstrom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Mackenzie Laurin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Pat L (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2020 by Charlene Wagenaar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2021 by overzealousbystrom (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Serena boettcher (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 2, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 22, 2014 by EOL − Sarah Carline (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 2, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 8, 2015 by EOL − Andrew Middleton (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 16, 2020 by Angel Green (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

© 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/5331231)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:867832-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola canadensis L.)

Specifications

Growth