Common Blue Violet or Viola papilionacea

Common name: Common blue violet
Genus/sp: Viola papilionacea
Family: Violet

Description: flowers on separate stems from leaves; only 2 lateral petals bearded ( with trichomes)
Lower petal longer and nonbearded. All lower petals strongly veined.

Medicinal value: used for bladder pain and to induce vomiting

Flowering start: March-June in deciduous woods, damp woods, meadows; from Maine south.
Location: Hashawa Nature Center ( Westminster, MD)

Photo: E. Iglich eiglich@mcdaniel.edu