Pine violet (Viola purpurea, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 1: 56 (1855))

Family: Violaceae

Author: Kellogg

Bibliography: Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 1: 56 (1855)

Year: 1855

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Oregon to Mexico (Baja California Norte)

Description

The Pine Violet, scientifically known as Viola purpurea, is a charming flowering plant belonging to the Violaceae family. First documented in the “Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences,” this species was described by the botanist Kellogg in 1855.

Pine Violets are noted for their vibrant and visually striking blossoms, which add a splash of color to the regions they inhabit. Their range extends from Oregon in the north to Baja California Norte in Mexico to the south, making them a common sight in diverse ecological zones along the western edge of North America.

This hardy plant thrives in open, sunny locations often found in pine forests, hence its common name. The Pine Violet’s preference for such habitats contributes to its widespread distribution and adaptation to different environmental conditions along its extensive range.

Its elegant petals, ranging from deep purples to lighter hues, not only make them attractive to human eyes but also play a significant role in the local ecosystems by providing nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The leaves of the Pine Violet are typically heart-shaped, adding to the plant’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Given its resilient nature and the breadth of its habitat, the Pine Violet symbolizes both the beauty and the adaptability of flora across varying landscapes. This perennial plant continues to capture the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike, serving as a reminder of the diverse plant life that thrives in the western regions of North America.

Common Names

Eng: goose-foot yellow violet, goosefoot violet, pine violet, mountain violet, goosefoot yellow violet
Fra: violette pourprée
En: Pine violet, Goosefoot violet, Mountain violet, Goose-foot yellow violet, Purple-marked yellow violet (goosefoot violet), Purplish violet, Goosefoot yellow violet
Fr: Violette pourprée
Fa: بنفشه پاغازی

Synonyms

• Viola kelloggii (A.Nelson)
• Viola purpurea subsp. typica (M.S.Baker & J.C.Clausen)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 6, 2010 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2012 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 13, 2010 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 2, 2012 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Mara Lorch (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by Megan Sweet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2013 by EOL − Judith Elaine Bush (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2010 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Mar 13, 2010 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 15, 2010 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2012 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 11, 2016 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Mar 13, 2010 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 13, 2010 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:869063-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331324)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola purpurea Kellogg)

Specifications

Growth