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EXPLORE > PLANTS > ANGIOSPERMS
Viola adunca
This perennial plant is common in moist soils along rivers and in coastal areas close to the ocean. It can be identified by its low profile with most specimens growing no more than 4 inches (10 cm). The broad leaves are oval or heart-shaped. Between April and August, the plant will produce small five-petal flowers which are dark blue or deep violet in color with a white patch toward the center. The flowers are edible and rich in vitamins A and D. They can be eaten raw or boiled into a tea; used as a garnish or as a natural coloring agent when added to other dishes.
Native Americans used many parts of the plant to treat illnesses including asthma and stomach ailments. As with any plant however, caution should be used as the roots, seeds and rhizomes are poisonous.
Distribution
Common in the Pacific Northwest and as far east as Montana. The early blue violet is typically found in sea-facing meadows (sometimes called coastal prairies), riparian and subalpine areas.
Conservation Status
Common overall, rare in sea-facing meadows. Human development has caused a dramatic decline in seaside ecosystems where early blue violet was once plentiful. There is currently an active program underway by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore meadow habitats as part of the conservation effort for the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly. The early blue violet is one of several plants being reintroduced to its historical range where it serves as an important food source for the butterfly.
Related Information: Saving the Silverspot | Meadows for the Silverspot
Viola adunca
This perennial plant is common in moist soils along rivers and in coastal areas close to the ocean. It can be identified by its low profile with most specimens growing no more than 4 inches (10 cm). The broad leaves are oval or heart-shaped. Between April and August, the plant will produce small five-petal flowers which are dark blue or deep violet in color with a white patch toward the center. The flowers are edible and rich in vitamins A and D. They can be eaten raw or boiled into a tea; used as a garnish or as a natural coloring agent when added to other dishes.
Native Americans used many parts of the plant to treat illnesses including asthma and stomach ailments. As with any plant however, caution should be used as the roots, seeds and rhizomes are poisonous.
Distribution
Common in the Pacific Northwest and as far east as Montana. The early blue violet is typically found in sea-facing meadows (sometimes called coastal prairies), riparian and subalpine areas.
Conservation Status
Common overall, rare in sea-facing meadows. Human development has caused a dramatic decline in seaside ecosystems where early blue violet was once plentiful. There is currently an active program underway by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore meadow habitats as part of the conservation effort for the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly. The early blue violet is one of several plants being reintroduced to its historical range where it serves as an important food source for the butterfly.
Related Information: Saving the Silverspot | Meadows for the Silverspot
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Saving the Silverspot: Youth volunteers from all over Oregon come to the aid of the tiniest of creatures, the Oregon silverspot butterfly. See how these stewards help recreate missing habitat so the insect has a better shot at survival.
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