 Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
Common in woods, in short grass, on roadside banks and stony ground, including high in hills. Flower diameter c 12-18 mm ID: Leaf-edge makes clear change of direction at tip rather than being rounded there as in Marsh Violet. All leaves heart-shaped, about as long as broad, never more than twice as long as broad as in Pansies. Has basal non-flowering leaf-rosette with flowers arising on side-branches or from buds on roots. This distinguishes it from Heath Violet, but may be hard to see on poorly-formed plants. Heath Violet has leaves longer than broad. Other features: Lower petal white at innermost end, with area of dark vertical veins just below this. Flower has a long spur which is notched at the end. Also produces cleistogamous flowers without petals or stamens. Stipule-teeth hair-like, flexible and spreading out to the side (straight, upright and not so thin on Heath Violet) |
