How to identify Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda)

How to identify Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda)

Sweet White Violet, also known as Willdenow Violet, Willdenow's Violet, Large-Leaved White Violet, Largeleaf White Violet

Sweet White Violet is a stemless perennial herb recognized by its heart-shaped leaves and delicate white flowers. Characterized by its ability to spread via horizontal runners, known as stolons, this plant is adept at forming dense groundcovers. Its stolons produce roots and upright stems at intervals, facilitating its spread. The flowers typically have a subtle fragrance and may appear solitarily or in clusters above the foliage. Each flower is composed of five petals, with the lower petal often showcasing a slight purplish tinge at the center.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Sweet White Violet

Heart-shaped leaves in basal rosette, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6.5 cm) wide with prominent veins.

Delicate white flowers, 0.4-0.6 inches (1-1.5 cm) in diameter, with lower petal purple veins.

Stemless plant spreads via stolons, forming dense groundcovers with upright stems.

Fruit is ovoid capsule, about 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) long with numerous dark brown seeds.

Stems green with reddish tinges, 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) thick, sparse branching.

Detailed Traits of Sweet White Violet

Leaf Features

Sweet White Violet features 1 to 2.5-inch (2.5 to 6.5 cm) heart-shaped leaves arranged in a basal rosette. Each leaf exhibits a few widely scattered hairs, adding a subtle texture. The leaves are primarily green, showcasing a gentle sheen which enhances their vibrant appearance. The veins are prominent and radiate from the central midrib, giving the leaves a distinct pattern that aids in identification. These characteristics make the leaves a key identifying feature of sweet White Violet.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of sweet White Violet feature five heart-shaped white petals, with the lower petal adorned with striking purple veins. The upper petals often twist or bend backward. Each flower is borne on a red-tinged stalk. These delicate blooms, typically 0.4-0.6 inches (1-1.5 cm) in diameter, lack a noticeable scent. Flowering in spring, from April to June, the distinct petal arrangement and coloration make them easily identifiable by enthusiasts.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of sweet White Violet features green coloration with slight reddish tinges, providing a distinctive look. The stems are relatively thin, usually measuring around 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) in thickness. The texture is smooth and lacks hairiness. Stems exhibit a somewhat sprawling growth pattern with sparse branching. Key to identification, the subtle red tones appear more pronounced at the nodes and lower portions of the stem.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of sweet White Violet is a delicate, ovoid capsule that dangles gracefully. It measures approximately half an inch long, or about 1.27 centimeters, a size yielding a fine textural presence. As this capsule matures, it reveals a treasure trove of numerous minuscule seeds. Upon reaching the ripened state, the seeds exhibit a rich dark brown hue, contrasting with the lighter color of the capsule itself. The capsule's surface is typically smooth to the touch, in line with the aesthetic expected of the Violaceae family.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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