Lore: The flowers of violets are often served as a garnish either fresh or coated with a sugar glaze.

Medical Uses: Violets are known to have salicylic acid (aspirin is Acetosalicylic acid) and large amounts of some vitamins. Some violets have been used for cancer treatments especially skin cancer, but, there is no research to confirm its validity for cancer. It may however destroy tissue. It has also been used for bladder or urinary problems and there may be some validity to this as studies have shown it is a diuretic. Flowers of some violets have been used in an infusion to treat colds and flue like symptoms. In strong doses violet preparations may induce vomiting.

Warning: Violets should not be taken internally in large doses.

Similar Species: Violets found on this site include:
Appalachien Blue Violet, Viola appalachiensis
Field Pansy, Viola bicolor>BR> Canada Violet (Viola canadensis)
Common Blue Violet, Viola papilionacea
Downy Yellow Violet, Viola pubescens
Johnny-Jump-Up, Viola rafinesquii
Long-spurred Violet, Viola rostrata
Birdfoot Violet, Viola pedata
Bog White Violet, Viola lanceolata

© Daniel Reed   E-mail      Image use policy The cleistogamous flowers of many violets are usually produced after the regular flowers are finished and do not open till the seeds are ready for dispersal. Ads on this page help pay for this site but if you see one that seems inappropriate here such as one that is counter to the pro environmental theme please let me know which Ad and I will block it. Report a Bad Ad

One of the best general guides to wildflowers of the North Eastern and North Central United States. Newcomb's key is an excellent, simple method for identifying plants. Newcomb has drawings for almost every plant mentioned that are excellent aids to identifying the species. Though only the more common plants are covered this is often the first book I pick up when trying to identify a wildflower.

Wildflo wers of Tennessee the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians

This is perhaps the best of many field guides covering this region. Featuring 446 excellent color photographs (located with the text) and mentioning as similar to those illustrated are another 800 or so species for a total coverage of over 1,200 species. The start of each family section includes line drawings of some of the species showing important features. The text includes the usual description, bloom season, range, habitat and additionally includes information such as medical uses and lore and how the species was named. This is the official field guide of the Tennessee Native Plant Society.