How to identify Marsh blue violet (Viola cucullata)

How to identify Marsh blue violet (Viola cucullata)

Marsh blue violet, also known as Purple violet

Marsh blue violet displays single, light blue to blue-violet blossoms that rise conspicuously above the foliage. This stemless species is differentiated by its unusually long peduncles, which surpass the height of the plant's leaves, contrasting with other similar species whose flower stalks are of equal or lesser length. The vegetative parts grow comfortably in a range of light conditions, from full sun to dappled shade. Distinguishing features include the two lower outer petals adorned with club-tipped hairs. It thrives in both moist and wet soil environments.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Marsh blue violet

Long peduncles elevate blue-violet flowers above foliage.

Outer petals with club-tipped hairs distinguish lower petals.

Distinctive blue-violet petals with a darker, spurred lower lip.

Ovoid-oblongoid seed capsule autonomously splits at maturity.

Heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins and pointed tips.

Detailed Traits of Marsh blue violet

Leaf Features

The leaves of marsh blue violet form a low rosette of basal foliage, reaching a span of 6 inches (15 cm). The medium green, heart-shaped leaves measure up to 3.5 inches (9 cm) long and 3.5 inches (9 cm) wide. These leaves feature a smooth texture and prominent veins, contributing to their distinct shape. They are characterized by a pronounced, rounded base and a pointed tip, creating a classic heart-like appearance that is essential for identification.

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Flower Features

Marsh blue violet's flowers are 3/4 inch (2 cm) wide, blue-violet with 5 petals, and feature a spurred lower lip darker towards the center. They grow on long stalks higher than the leaves. The lowermost petal has a white patch with radiating purple veins in the front and a short, stout nectar spur in the back. These flowers are key identifiers with their distinct coloration and petal arrangement.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of marsh blue violet is an ovoid-oblongoid seed capsule, with a light green hue. This capsule is notable for its dehiscent quality, meaning it will autonomously split into three distinct sections at the point of maturity. This natural mechanism facilitates the dispersal of the contained seeds, a characteristic reproductive feature of marsh blue violet. The texture and color of the capsule may vary slightly as it progresses toward maturity.

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Marsh blue violet and Their Similar Plants

Common blue violet vs. Marsh blue violet: What's The Difference?

The common blue violet is an attractive wildflower known for its blue to purplish white hues. It is common in North America, where it is sometimes associated with a weed. The plant is popular as an ornamental, and it is a state flower in several states in the US. Its flowers and leaves are edible and safe to be planted near pets.

Johnny jump up vs. Marsh blue violet: What's The Difference?

The johnny jump up resembles a small pansy. The flowers are edible and can be consumed in salads, drinks, or used as a garnish, though they're best eaten only in small amounts. Ancient Greek legends told that the goddess Aphrodite colored the previously white flowers purple to make her son, Eros, less attracted to them.

Sweet violet vs. Marsh blue violet: What's The Difference?

Sweet violet is a mainstay in European gardening and cuisine. Its sweet smell has engendered a long tradition of use in the perfume industry. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be mixed with salads or made into syrup. In the wild, sweet violet is often found near woodland edges, forest clearings, and other shaded areas.

Field pansy vs. Marsh blue violet: What's The Difference?

Field pansy (Viola arvensis) is an annual or perennial flower that blooms from spring to summer with fragrant two-tone flowers in gold and yellow or purple and lavender. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Grows in full sun or partial shade. Deadhead blooms to encourage more flowering.

Horned violet vs. Marsh blue violet: What's The Difference?

Native to northern Spain, the horned violet (Viola cornuta) is an evergreen perennial flower that gets its name from its long nectar spur. Blooms in cooler weather and has a light fragrance. Grows best in moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Downy Yellow Violet vs. Marsh blue violet: What's The Difference?

Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens) produces two types of flowers. It produces Chasmogamous, which have open petals circling around reproductive parts of the flower, in the spring. In the summer, it produces Cleistogamous, which are permanently closed blooms. This species is widespread throughout North America.

Canada violet vs. Marsh blue violet: What's The Difference?

Common to North America, canada violet is a shade-loving, clumping perennial that is suitable for most shady gardens. White fragrant flowers hover over clusters of heart-shaped leaves. The plants off-shoots can be divided to produce new plants, or this variety can be grown from seed.

Wild pansy vs. Marsh blue violet: What's The Difference?

The wild pansy is the only native violet of the genus Viola in North America. This flowering garden plant can be distinguished from other pansy varieties by its longer petals than sepals. It is also the only annual Viola plant with cleistogamous flowers which means the flowers do not open as they self-pollinate.

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Key Facts About Marsh blue violet

Attributes of Marsh blue violet

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm to 15 cm

Spread

20 cm

Fruit Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Marsh blue violet

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Violet

Genus

Violets

Species

Marsh blue violet (Viola cucullata)

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Distribution Map of Marsh blue violet

Marsh blue violet, originally native to the temperate regions of North America, has expanded its range to include parts of Europe and it is also introduced to Mexico. This perennial herbaceous plant is adapted to cultivation and survives well in new environments within similar climates to its native habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Marsh blue violet

A Comprehensive Guide to Marsh blue violet How to Grow and Care for Marsh blue violet