Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Viola pubescens Ait.
Downy yellow violet
Violaceae (Violet Family)
This is a softly hairy violet, 9-12 in. tall. The bright yellow flowers, veined with purple toward the throat, grow on leafy stems above sturdy green foliage.
Among the numerous yellow violets, the hairy nature of this species is usually distinctive. However, one variety of this species, Smooth Yellow Violet (
V. pubescens var. pubescens), has non-hairy foliage, including 1-3 heart-shaped basal leaves. Full species of yellow violet that are both stemmed and non-hairy include the Three-part-leaved Violet (
V. tripartita), a southern and western species with 3-lobed leaves, and the Prairie Yellow Violet (
V. nuttallii), with
lanceolate leaves. Our only stemless yellow Violet (with flowers and leaves on separate stalks) is the Round-leaved Yellow Violet (
V. rotundifolia), with a small flower and roundish basal leaves.
Image Gallery:
6 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf: Dark Green
Fruit: Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Orange , Yellow
Bloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NH , NJ , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , WY , DC
Canada: MB ,
NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
QC Native Distribution: N.S. to SD, s. to VA uplands, MS & OK
Native Habitat: Rich, dry woods; alluvial woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Rich, dry soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Use Food: Flowers edible.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2010-05-08
