Etymology: Viola: a classical Latin name for violets
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-18" tall forb, mostly with soft hairs; stems leafy
Leaves: 2-4 leaves near the top, usually less than 2 times as long as wide, toothed, wide heart-shaped base, plus several long-stalked basal leaves
Flowers: yellow, 5-parted, 1"-1 1/2" wide, petals with brownish veins near the base, 2 side petals bearded; solitary, stalked, from the leaf axils; blooms April-June
Fruits: capsule with pale brown seeds
Habitat: dry; woods, forests; in rich soil
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5, Wetland Indicator = FACU- USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"