The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: yellow forest violet, smooth yellow violet, downy yellow violet

Family: Violaceae (violet family)

Synonym: Crocion pubescens, Viola eriocarpa, Viola pensylvanica

Distribution: e. North America

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Comments: There are two types of violets commonly found in our Woodland Garden. One of them is the yellow forest violet, which is widespread in woodlands and meadows. It blooms in May, following common blue violet, producing bright yellow flowers with brownish purple veins in the throat. The flowers may also be slightly fragrant; in the late 19th century, some species of violets were used as a perfume substitute or chewed as breath mints. Yellow forest violet is sometimes hairy or hairless and the basal foliage is heart-shaped. Bees are the primary pollinators.