Kingdom Plantae Family Violaceae Scientific name Viola adunca Rank Species | Order Malpighiales Genus Viola Higher classification Violet | |
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Similar Violet, Viola canadensis, Violaceae, Viola glabella, Viola nuttallii | ||
Viola adunca is a species of violet known by the common names hookedspur violet, early blue violet, sand violet, and western dog violet. It is native to meadows and forests of western North America, Canada, and the northern contiguous United States.
This is a hairy, compact plant growing from a small rhizome system. The leaves are spade- or heart-shaped, sometimes with broadly wavy margins. They are generally 1 to 4 centimeters long. The single-flowered inflorescence grows at the end of a long, very thin peduncle. The nodding flower is a violet with five purple petals, the lower three with white bases and purple veining. The two side petals are white-bearded near the throat. The upper two petals may have hooked spurs at their tips.
There are several varieties of V. adunca; a white-petaled form has been noted in Yosemite National Park.
Has also been noted in Southern Ontario in tall grass prairies on the sand plain and in black oak savannas.
