Early dog violet (Viola reichenbachiana, Fl. Centre France, éd. 3, 2: 78 (1857))

Family: Violaceae

Author: Jord. ex Boreau

Bibliography: Fl. Centre France, éd. 3, 2: 78 (1857)

Year: 1857

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to N. Iran, NW. Africa

Description

The Early Dog Violet, scientifically known as Viola reichenbachiana, is a remarkable and delicate flowering plant belonging to the Violaceae family. First formally described in 1857 by Jord. ex Boreau in the third edition of “Flore du Centre de la France,” this perennial herb is cherished for its fairy-like appearance and subtle beauty.

Native to a broad range of regions extending across Europe, North Iran, and Northwestern Africa, the Early Dog Violet thrives in diverse habitats. It prefers the cool, moist environments of woodlands, forest edges, and shaded meadows where it often carpets the forest floor in a vibrant display of purple-blue hues. This adaptation to shady conditions allows it to flourish under the canopy of deciduous trees, adding a splash of color to the dappled woodlandscape during early spring.

One of its distinctive features includes heart-shaped, dark green leaves with finely serrated edges. The leaves are basal, forming a neat rosette at the base from which slender, erect flowering stalks emerge. The flowers themselves, typically blooming from March to May, exhibit a classic five-petaled structure common to violets. The petals are usually a rich violet color with darker veins, and they encircle a pale, often yellowish throat, which serves as a nectar guide for pollinators such as bees.

Viola reichenbachiana is not just aesthetically pleasing but also plays an important ecological role. Its early blooming period provides an essential nectar source for emerging insects in spring. Furthermore, as part of the understory flora, it contributes to the biodiversity and stability of forest ecosystems.

In addition to its ecological value, the Early Dog Violet holds a special place in traditional practices and herbal lore. While not as prominently utilized as some other violets, it has been associated with mild medicinal uses and symbolic meanings, such as modesty and loyalty.

The Early Dog Violet is a wonderful example of nature’s understated elegance, seamlessly blending functional ecological roles with aesthetic charm. Its widespread distribution and adaptability underline its success as a species, making it a staple in the rich tapestry of forest flora across its native regions. Whether admired for its beauty or its environmental contributions, Viola reichenbachiana remains a cherished herald of spring.

Common Names

Dan: skov-viol
Deu: wald-veilchen
Nld: donkersporig bosviooltje
Eng: early dog violet, early dog-violet, wood dog violet
Swe: lundviol, pyökkiorvokki
Fin: pyökkiorvokki
Fra: violette de reichenbach
Nno: lundfiol
Nob: lundfiol
Cym: fioled y coed, fioledau’r coed, gwiolydd, gwiolydd y goedwig, millyn glaswelw, millyn y goedwig
En: Early dog violet, Wood dog violet, Early dog-violet, Pale Wood-violet
Be: Фіялка лясная
Bg: Райхенбахова теменуга
Cs: Violka lesní
Da: Skov-Viol
Nl: Donkersporig bosviooltje, Blauwsporig Bosviooltje
Eo: Arbara violo
Et: Metskannike
Fi: Pyökkiorvokki
Fr: Violette de reichenbach, Violette des bois
De: Wald-Veilchen, Wald Veilchen
Hu: Erdei ibolya
It: Viola silvestre
Lt: Miškinė našlaitė
No: Lundfiol
Nb: Lundfiol
Nn: Lundfiol
Oc: Violeta de Reichenbach, Violeta dels bòsques
Fa: بنفشه زودرس سگی
Pl: Fiołek leśny
Sk: Fialka lesná
Sv: Lundviol, Pyökkiorvokki
Tr: Orman menekşesi
Cy: Fioled y coed, Fioledau’r Coed, Gwiolydd, Gwiolydd y Goedwig, Millyn Glaswelw, Millyn y Goedwig

Synonyms

• Viola leucocentra (Pinkw.)
• Viola reichenbachiana var. leucantha ((Beck) M.S.Porter, M.J.Y.Foley & L.Lewis)
• Viola sylvestris var. barbata (St.-Lag.)
• Viola vicina (Martrin-Donos)
• Viola silvatica subsp. nemoralis ((Jord.) Corb.)
• Viola vulgaris (Rupr.)
• Viola bertotii (Souché ex Corb.)
• Viola reichenbachiana var. punctata ((Rouy & Foucaud) P.D.Sell)
• Viola sylvestris subvar. punctata (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Viola silvatica subsp. reichenbachiana ((Jord. ex Boreau) Syme)
• Viola nemoralis (Jord.)
• Viola silvatica ((Fr.) C.Hartm.)
• Viola canina var. silvatica (Fr.)
• Viola silvatica var. reichenbachiana ((Jord. ex Boreau) Crép.)
• Viola degeneri (Schweigg. ex Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Viola arenicola (Chabert)
• Viola sylvestris var. micrantha (Döll)
• Viola canina subsp. silvatica ((Fr.) Kirschl.)
• Viola canina var. degeneri (Boenn.)
• Viola formosa (Vuk.)
• Viola silvatica var. nemoralis (Caldesi)
• Viola wettsteinii (K.Richt.)
• Viola sylvestris subsp. reichenbachiana ((Jord. ex Boreau) Tourlet)
• Viola sylvestris f. leucantha (Beck)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

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

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

Flower

Taken Jan 12, 2022 by Sigrun van der Veen (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2017 by Go Glaso (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Thierry BLANCHARD (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2017 by Go Glaso (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2022 by Gaël Covain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2020 by eggersue (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 14, 2021 by euphrosiine M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2022 by Gaël Covain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2017 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Antoine Prestat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Dario Rothauer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Jean-François Baudin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by Marani Miris (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2019 by mrbrain65 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by Uta Groger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 22, 2018 by Matt Par (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2021 by Pierre Constantin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:869090-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5663962)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola reichenbachiana Jord. ex Boreau)

Specifications

Growth