Selkirk’s violet (Viola selkirkii, Edinburgh Philos. J. 6: 324 (1822))

Family: Violaceae

Author: Pursh ex Goldie

Bibliography: Edinburgh Philos. J. 6: 324 (1822)

Year: 1822

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: N. Europe to Japan, Subarctic America to N. & WC. U.S.A.

Description

Selkirk’s violet, scientifically named Viola selkirkii, is a captivating species belonging to the Violaceae family. Originally described and documented in 1822 by Pursh in collaboration with Goldie, this delicate violet has garnered attention due to its unique distribution and distinctive characteristics.

Thriving in a range that stretches from Northern Europe all the way to Japan, Viola selkirkii is also prevalent across Subarctic regions of America, extending into Northern and Western parts of the United States. This extensive geographical span highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climates and conditions.

Selkirk’s violet is notable for its subtle yet beautiful appearance. The plant typically blooms in shades of pale blue to violet, contributing a touch of elegance to the wild terrains it inhabits. Its flowers are usually solitary, accentuating its understated charm. The leaves of Viola selkirkii are heart-shaped with a slightly serrated edge, adding to the plant’s delicate aesthetic.

Ecologically, Selkirk’s violet plays a significant role. It often serves as a food source for various pollinators and contributes to the biodiversity of the areas it populates. Its ability to thrive in subarctic and temperate regions demonstrates its resilience and adaptability, making it an interesting subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

In summary, Viola selkirkii, or Selkirk’s violet, stands out not only for its beauty but also for its broad distribution and ecological importance. This species, marked by its vivid blooms and heart-shaped leaves, continues to captivate those who encounter it across its vast native range.

Common Names

Nor: dalfiol
Eng: great-spur violet, selkirk’s violet, great-spurred violet, long-spurred violet
Nno: dalfiol
Nob: dalfiol
Fin: kaiheorvokki
Swe: kaiheorvokki, skuggviol, dalviol
Est: laanekannike
Fra: violette de selkirk
Sme: itkoviola
En: Selkirk’s violet, Great-spur violet, Great-spurred violet, Long-spurred violet
Zh: 深山堇菜
Et: Laanekannike
Fi: Kaiheorvokki
Fr: Violette de selkirk
Ja: Miyama-sumire
Se: Itkoviola
No: Dalfiol
Nb: Dalfiol
Nn: Dalfiol
Fa: بنفشه ممهیز درشت
Ru: Фиалка Селькирка
Sv: Skuggviol, Kaiheorvokki, Dalviol

Synonyms

• Viola ulleungdoensis (M.Kim & Jungsim Lee)
• Viola kamtschatica var. umbrosa ((Fr.) Regel)
• Viola selkirkii var. okudana (Okuyama)
• Viola salina (Turcz.)
• Viola kamtschatica var. glabra (Regel)
• Viola tokubuchiana var. crassicornis ((W.Becker & Hultén) Espeut)
• Viola ulleungdoensis f. albiflora (M.Kim)
• Viola carnosula (W.Becker)
• Viola selkirkii f. albiflora ((Nakai) F.Maek.)
• Viola selkirkii f. subglabra ((W.Becker) F.Maek.)
• Viola selkirkii var. variegata (Nakai)
• Viola selkirkii var. glabrescens (W.Becker & Hultén)
• Viola selkirkii f. alba (Tatew.)
• Viola selkirkii f. variegata ((Nakai) F.Maek.)
• Viola borealis (Weinm.)
• Viola crassicornis (W.Becker & Hultén)
• Viola imberbis (Ledeb.)
• Viola kamtschatica (Ging.)
• Viola selkirkii var. subbarbata (W.Becker)
• Viola selkirkii var. brevicalcarata (W.Becker)
• Viola selkirkii var. angustistipulata (W.Becker)
• Viola selkirkii var. subglabra (W.Becker)
• Viola hirta var. umbrosa (Wahlenb.)
• Viola selkirkii var. albiflora (Nakai)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Yukon (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 Jun 8, 2022 by #MaryKingfishers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 28, 2020 by Victor Barac (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 22, 2015 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 28, 2015 by EOL − bdunc (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 14, 2015 by EOL − ephraimz (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331202)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:325433-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola selkirkii Pursh ex Goldie)

Specifications

Growth