Plant species

white violet Viola alba

Violaceae

Species information

Description

A violet with heart-shaped or oblong leaves and irregular five-petalled flowers bearing a short spur. A perennial herbaceous species of open woodland and forest edges, typically associated with base-rich, often calcareous soils.

Plant traits

Growth form

forb

Life cycle

perennial

Height

5–15 cm

Typical season

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Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

open woodland · forest edge · dry grasslands

Light

partial shade

Moisture

dry · mesic

Soil

base-rich

Substrate

calcareous

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

Many white violets produce cleistogamous flowers later in the season: small closed flowers that set seed without opening.

LifeSystems

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