Flower:

Single flower at the end of a smooth or hairy but otherwise naked stem. Flowers are ¾ to 1 inch across, irregular with the two upper petals somewhat elongated and aligned side-by-side, the 3 lower petals with dense tufts of white hairs (bearded) at the throat, the two laterals angled towards the lower petal. Petals are deep blue-violet to purple, white at the base, the lower petal is almost half white with dark purple veination and forms a rounded spur at the back that projects past the sepals but does not go beyond the stalk. A mature plant can be densely flowered.

Leaves and stems:

Leaves are all basal, arrowhead shaped, 1½ to 4 inches long, usually at least 1.5 times long as wide, often with fine hairs around the edges (ciliate). Early leaves are more like a rounded triangle, with shallowly toothed edges and spreading out horizontally. Primary leaves become erect and narrow, the basal lobes developing pointed barb-like teeth extending abruptly from the edges. Leaf stalks and leaves can be smooth or hairy,

Fruit:

Fruit is a hanging ovoid capsule 1/3 to ½ inch long, containing small brown seeds.

Notes:

A species of moist open woods, Arrow-leaved Violet can respond quickly from the seed bank following a fire. Populations diminsh as other successional plants re-establish and the seed bank once more waits for another fire event. It is most easily distinguished from other violets by the shape of the leaves.