Smooth-yellow violet (Viola pubescens, Hort. Kew. 3: 290 (1789))

Family: Violaceae

Author: Aiton

Bibliography: Hort. Kew. 3: 290 (1789)

Year: 1789

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Smooth-yellow violet, scientifically known as Viola pubescens, is a charming and resilient member of the Violaceae family. First documented in 1789 by Aiton in Hortus Kewensis, this plant has since captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts with its delicate beauty and widespread presence across Eastern Canada and Central to Eastern United States.

Characterized by its smooth, heart-shaped leaves and cheerful yellow flowers, the Smooth-yellow violet adds a splash of color to forest floors and shaded woodland areas during its blooming season. The plant typically thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is often found in habitats that provide partial to full shade, an environment in which it can flourish without competition from more aggressive plant species.

Viola pubescens plays a valuable role in its ecosystem, providing nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. These interactions are crucial for the pollination of other forest flora and maintaining biodiversity within its natural habitat.

In addition to its ecological benefits, the Smooth-yellow violet has cultural and historical significance. Native American tribes have utilized parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, valuing its properties for various treatments.

The presence of Viola pubescens from Eastern Canada through Central and Eastern United States signifies not just its adaptability but also its importance as an indicator of healthy, undisturbed forest environments. The plant’s ability to thrive in these areas suggests an ecosystem that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a valuable species for conservation efforts.

Through its modest yet striking appearance, the Smooth-yellow violet stands as a testament to the understated beauty and ecological importance of native wildflowers. Whether encountered on a woodland hike or studied for its botanical interest, Viola pubescens continues to be a beloved and integral part of the North American landscape.

Common Names

Eng: common yellow violet, downy yellow violet, downy-yellow violet, smooth-yellow violet, yellow forest violet, yellow violet, hairy yellow violet
Fra: violette pubescente, violette de pennsylvanie, violette jaune
En: Smooth-yellow violet, Downy-yellow violet, Yellow forest violet, Common yellow violet, Yellow violet, DOWNY YELLOW VIOLET, SMOOTH YELLOW VIOLET, Hairy yellow violet
Fr: Violette pubescente, Violette de Pennsylvanie, Violette jaune

Synonyms

• Viola pubescens var. glabriuscula (A.Gray)
• Crocion pubescens ((Aiton) Nieuwl.)
• Viola pubescens f. peckii ((House) Lévesque & Dans.)
• Viola pubescens var. peckii (House)
• Viola pubescens var. typica (Grover)
• Viola pensylvanica (Michx.)
• Viola uniflora var. pubescens ((Aiton) Regel)
• Viola pubescens var. eriocarpon (Nutt.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Anjola Arrowood (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Jerry Colwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Jerry Colwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by kathy gilbert (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Alan Falloon (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 29, 2020 by Nicole Clark (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Kimberly Newby (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2022 by Remy Feschotte (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Alan Falloon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2020 by jennifer ellwood (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 20, 2012 by EOL − Ron Payne (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Jayden Hartley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Yvonne Pandke (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2021 by Jean-François Girard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Bénard Tremblay Milo (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Renée-Louise Lamontagne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 29, 2021 by lori law (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Yvonne Pandke (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 2, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2020 by Josh M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − MBG (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Bénard Tremblay Milo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by possiblyaturtle (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331338)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:266880-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola pubescens Aiton)

Specifications

Growth