Family: Violaceae
Author: (T.F.Forst.) Spreng.
Bibliography: Syst. Veg. 1: 805 (1824)
Year: 1824
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hybanthus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Eastern greenviolet, scientifically known as Hybanthus concolor, is a noteworthy member of the Violaceae family. This plant was first documented in the seminal botanical work “Systema Vegetabilium” published in 1824 by the renowned botanist (T.F.Forst.) Spreng. It is indigenous to a broad region extending from Southeastern Canada through to North Carolina and throughout the Eastern United States.
Hybanthus concolor is distinguished by its unique habitat preferences and morphological characteristics. Typically found in rich, wooded areas, this perennial herb thrives in dappled sunlight underneath the canopy of deciduous forests. The plant emerges from a delicate root system, characterized by its slender, upright stems.
The leaves of Eastern greenviolet exhibit a glossy, dark green coloration, aligning with the species name “concolor” which denotes uniform color. They are generally lanceolate to ovate in shape, presenting a smooth, somewhat leathery texture. This consistency in leaf color and shape across individuals makes it a striking, yet subtle, part of the understory flora.
Flowers of Hybanthus concolor are small, often inconspicuous, but they play a vital role in the ecosystem by providing nectar for pollinators. Their bloom period occurs in the spring, during which they produce delicate, violet-tinged flowers with a distinct structural arrangement typical of the Violaceae family.
Eastern greenviolet’s ecological presence is significant, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance within its native range. It forms part of a larger community of native plants that support various insect and wildlife species, creating a vibrant natural habitat.
In summary, Hybanthus concolor, or Eastern greenviolet, is a perennial herb of the Violaceae family, notable for its consistency in foliage coloration and its subtle yet pivotal role in the wooded ecosystems of Southeastern Canada and Eastern United States. Initially documented in the early 19th century, this plant continues to contribute to the rich botanical diversity of its native regions.
Common Names
En: Eastern greenviolet, Green-violet, Eastern green violet, Eastern green-violet, Green violet
Synonyms
- Cubelium concolor f. subglabrum (Eames)
- Calceolaria concolor ((T.F.Forst.) Kuntze)
- Cubelium concolor ((T.F.Forst.) Raf.)
- Viola concolor (T.F.Forst.)
- Solea concolor ((T.F.Forst.) Ging.)
- Ionidium concolor ((T.F.Forst.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex S.Watson)
- Noisettia acuminata (Ging.)
- Viola sprengeliana (Steud.)
- Ionidium sprengelianum (Schult.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 22, 2019 by Tom Jones (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30438998-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hybanthus concolor (T.F. Forst.) Spreng.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2874227)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
