Early blue violet (Viola palmata, Sp. Pl.: 933 (1753))

Family: Violaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 933 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. Canada to Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo León)

Description

The Early Blue Violet, scientifically known as Viola palmata, belongs to the Violaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in the publication “Species Plantarum,” this charming plant is noted for its distinctive early blooming period and its striking blue flowers.

Thriving across a wide geographic range, the Early Blue Violet can be found from the southeastern reaches of Canada all the way down to Mexico, particularly in the regions of Coahuila and Nuevo León. This broad distribution hints at the plant’s adaptability to various climates and soil types, making it a fascinating subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

The delicate yet vibrant blue flowers of Viola palmata make it a beautiful addition to natural landscapes and cultivated gardens. Its foliage and blooms provide visual interest and support for local ecosystems, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

For those interested in horticulture or natural history, the Early Blue Violet offers much to appreciate and explore. Whether encountered in the wild or introduced into a garden setting, Viola palmata’s enduring charm and ecological significance cannot be overstated.

Common Names

Eng: crowfoot violet, early blue violet, lovell violet, palmate-leaf violet, plains violet, three-lobe violet, tri-lobe violet, whorled violet, wild okra, wood violet, palmate-leaved violet, three-lobed violet
Fra: violette palmée
En: Early blue violet, Plains violet, Tri-lobe violet, Wood violet, Palmate-leaf violet, Crowfoot violet, Lovell violet, Whorled violet, Wild okra, Wood Violets, Three-Lobe Violet, Palmate-leaved violet, Three-lobed violet
Fr: Violette palmée
Ja: Kikuba-sumire, Kuwagata-sumire

Synonyms

• Viola triloba f. annjoae (Creutz)
• Viola falcata (Greene)
• Viola palmata var. vulgaris (Elliott)
• Viola triloba var. dilatata ((Elliott) Brainerd)
• Viola palmata var. fragrans (Elliott)
• Viola triloba f. dilatata ((Elliott) E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.)
• Viola triloba f. albida (Steyerm.)
• Viola triloba (Schwein.)
• Viola vespertilionis (Greene)
• Viola palmata f. albiflora (E.L.Rand & Redfield)
• Viola palmata var. obliqua (Hitchc.)
• Viola palmata f. striata (O.R.Willis)
• Viola palmata var. variegata (Stowell)
• Viola palmata f. variegata ((Stowell) E.L.Rand & Redfield)
• Viola cucullata var. congener ((Leconte) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Viola palmata var. dilatata (Elliott)
• Viola palmata var. triloba ((Schwein.) Ging.)
• Viola congener (Leconte)
• Viola palmata var. asarifolia (House)
• Viola cucullata var. palmata ((L.) A.Gray)
• Viola ornithodes (Greene)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Genevieve Gallant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by lumbasomething (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by lumbasomething (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by lumbasomething (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331370)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:868887-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola palmata L.)

Specifications

Growth