Northern white violet (Viola renifolia, Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 8: 288 (1870))

Family: Violaceae

Author: A.Gray

Bibliography: Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 8: 288 (1870)

Year: 1870

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Subarctic America to N. U.S.A.

Description

The Northern white violet, with its scientific name Viola renifolia, is a charming and delicate member of the Violaceae family. First described in the Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts in 1870 by esteemed botanist A. Gray, this resilient plant has captivated naturalists with its modest yet exquisite beauty.

Inhabiting the cool climes of subarctic America and stretching down into northern regions of the United States, the Northern white violet thrives in environments that other flora might find challenging. This geographical distribution underscores the plant’s adaptability and hardiness, making it a subject of interest for botanists and horticulturists alike.

Viola renifolia is characterized by its subtle, white blossoms, which contrast beautifully against its verdant, kidney-shaped leaves. The leaves’ unique reniform shape is, in fact, a defining feature, inspiring the plant’s specific epithet, ‘renifolia.’ The blooms, although delicate and diminutive, often bring a touch of elegance to the forest understories and damp, shady habitats where the plant is typically found.

Apart from its visual appeal, the Northern white violet holds ecological significance. It plays a role in local ecosystems by providing nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, who rely on it as a food source during its blooming period. This interconnectedness with local fauna highlights the plant’s importance beyond mere aesthetic value.

Understanding and appreciating plants like the Northern white violet is essential, not only for botanical knowledge but also for the conservation of the biodiverse habitats where they flourish. Whether admired for its subtle beauty or studied for its ecological contributions, Viola renifolia remains a notable and enchanting specimen within the rich tapestry of North American flora.

Common Names

Eng: kidney-leaf violet, kidney-leaf white violet, northern white violet, white violet, kidney-leaved violet, kidneyleaf white violet, kidney-leaved white violet, kidney-shaped violet
Fra: violette réniforme, violette trousse-dents, violette à feuilles réniformes
En: Northern white violet, White violet, Kidney-leaf violet, Kidney-leaf white violet, Kidney-leaved violet, Kidneyleaf white violet, Kidney-leaved white violet, Kidney-shaped violet
Fr: Violette réniforme, Violette trousse-dents, Violette à feuilles réniformes
Fa: بنفشه برگ‌قلوه‌ای

Synonyms

• Viola renifolia var. brainerdii ((Greene) Fernald)
• Viola blanda var. renifolia ((A.Gray) A.Gray)
• Viola mistassinica (Greene)
• Viola brainerdii (Greene)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 18, 2006 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by Colin B (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2019 by AudreyTurcotte (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 1, 2013 by EOL − crgillette (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 26, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken May 26, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

© 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/5331273)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:869094-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola renifolia A. Gray)

Specifications

Growth