Early-blue violet (Viola adunca, A.Rees, Cycl. 37: n.° 63 (1818))

Family: Violaceae

Author: Sm.

Bibliography: A.Rees, Cycl. 37: n.° 63 (1818)

Year: 1818

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Subarctic America to Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua)

Description

The Early-blue violet, scientifically known as Viola adunca, is a captivating perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. This charming wildflower is admired for its delicate, vibrant blue to purple blooms typically appearing in early spring, brightening meadows and open woodlands with their striking beauty.

Viola adunca thrives in a variety of habitats ranging from subarctic regions of North America extending southwards to Mexico, particularly in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua. This widespread distribution underscores the plant’s remarkable adaptability to different environmental conditions, from cool alpine climates to warmer subtropical zones.

The leaves of the Early-blue violet are heart-shaped, adding to its charm and making it a delightful ground cover in its native range. The flowers are particularly noteworthy; each bloom consists of five petals, with a slightly asymmetrical structure typical of the violet genus. The lower petal often features subtle dark lines, known as nectar guides, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Historically described in 1818 by the botanist Sm. and included in A. Rees’s Cyclopaedia (volume 37, entry number 63), Viola adunca has since captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its ecological importance is also significant; it plays a vital role in supporting local ecosystems by providing nectar for early-season pollinators and serving as a host plant for certain butterfly species, including the larvae of the Fritillary butterflies.

In cultivation, Viola adunca prefers well-drained soils and partial shade, replicating its natural woodland edges and meadow habitats. It is relatively low-maintenance, making it a valuable addition to garden spaces aiming to promote biodiversity and native plant preservation.

In summary, the Early-blue violet (Viola adunca) is a versatile and resilient plant that not only adds aesthetic value to its surroundings but also contributes meaningfully to ecological health and stability across a broad geographic range. Its enduring appeal and ecological significance ensure that it remains an object of admiration and study within the botanical community.

Common Names

Eng: blue violet, early-blue violet, hook violet, hook-spur violet, hookedspur violet, sand violet, western dog violet, hooked violet, early blue violet, hooked-spur violet
Fra: violette à éperon crochu, violette des chiens, violette des sables
En: Early-blue violet, Sand violet, Hook-spur violet, Western dog violet, Blue violet, Hookedspur violet, Hook violet, Hooked violet, Early blue violet, Hooked-spur violet
Fr: Violette à éperon crochu, Violette des chiens, Violette des sables

Synonyms

• Viola canina var. adunca ((Sm.) A.Gray)
• Viola adunca subsp. typica (M.S.Baker)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 20, 2019 by Gramenz Lora (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2020 by Inna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Alicia Wang (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2019 by Casey (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Pericles Nacionales (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by Daniel St-Cyr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 1, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 20, 2019 by Gramenz Lora (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 26, 2016 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 27, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 6, 2010 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 27, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 27, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331199)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:265687-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola adunca Sm.)

Specifications

Growth