Family: Violaceae
Author: Muhl. ex Pursh
Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 174 (1813)
Year: 1813
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Viola
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Japan, E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Long-spur violet, scientifically known as Viola rostrata, is a delicate and charming wildflower that belongs to the Violaceae family. First described and cataloged in the early 19th century, specifically in the Flora Americae Septentrionalis in 1813, this species was characterized by the botanist Muhlenberg in collaboration with Pursh.
This perennial plant is native to a wide geographical range, from Japan and Eastern Canada, stretching down to North Carolina and various regions in the Eastern United States. The Long-spur violet thrives in cool, shaded forests, often found in rich, moist soils that provide the perfect environment for its growth and proliferation.
The plant is easily recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers. The flowers have a notable long spur, which is a unique characteristic and the origin of its common name. Typically blooming in the spring, the violet-colored flowers add a splash of color to the woodlands where it is found.
Viola rostrata plays an important ecological role in its native habitats. It provides nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for the plant’s reproduction and the overall health of the ecosystem.
In terms of horticultural interest, the Long-spur violet is admired for its aesthetic appeal and ease of care. It can be a delightful addition to shaded garden areas, where it can naturalize and form charming ground cover patches. Gardeners aiming to cultivate a native plant garden often seek this species for its natural beauty and ecological benefits.
Whether admired in its natural woodland habitat or as part of a thoughtfully curated garden, the Long-spur violet continues to captivate plant enthusiasts and ecologists alike.
Common Names
Eng: long-spur violet, longspur violet, long-spurred violet
Fra: violette à long éperon, violette rostrée, violette long-éperon
En: Long-spur violet, Longspur violet, Long-spurred violet
Fr: Violette à long éperon, Violette rostrée, Violette long-éperon
Fa: بنفشه روستراتا
Synonyms
- Lophion rostratum ((Muhl. ex Pursh) Nieuwl.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 16, 2021 by kelsey cloonan (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2022 by Remy Feschotte (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2022 by I F (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Green Shar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2021 by kelsey cloonan (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 19, 2021 by Greta Van Loon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2020 by Swamp Ass (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 5, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 20, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 19, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 14, 2012 by EOL − Ron Payne (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 11, 2016 by EOL − Emily p davis (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gibson, Joan (cc-by-nc-sa)
© 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/5331225)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:266927-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola rostrata Pursh)