WILDFLOWERS

VIOLET FAMILY

Early Dog Violet Viola reichenbachiana is a perennial seen from March to June in shaded locations, a low-growing plant that can be smooth or hairy to a small degree. There is a modest basal leaf rosette with lateral leafy stems. The violet flowers have no distinct aroma, measure up to 18mm across and usually darker in the centre. The leaves are heart-shaped. Behind the flower there is a thin straight dark violet-blue spur without a notch.

Sweet Violet Viola odorata is a creeping plant that uses above ground shoots known as stolons which take root to form new plants. The flowers are scented and may also be bluish or white. The leaves form a basal rosette and the petioles have hairs that point downwards and the style is hooked and not rounded.  Also known as the Wood Violet.

Field Pansy Viola arvensis is a long-stalked annual that grows up to 15cm in height on disturbed ground and fields. It is sometimes found flowering near Woodhenge from May to September. The small flowers (10-15mm) are usually whitish with the lower petal being marked yellowish-orange.

Garden Pansy Viola x wittrockiana is a large-flowered hybrid plant cultivated as a garden flower. The plants grow up to 25cm tall. These flowers discovered near where cottages once stood near Foxburrow Road's main entrance were probably a garden escape.

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