Viola sagittata (Arrow-leaved Violet)
Also known as: | Arrowhead Violet |
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Genus: | Viola |
Family: | Violaceae (Violet) |
Life cycle: | perennial |
Origin: | native |
Habitat: | part shade, sun; open woods, fields, meadows |
Bloom season: | April - June |
Plant height: | 4 to 8 inches |
Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FAC MW: FAC NCNE: FAC |
MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): | ![]() |
National distribution (click map to enlarge): | ![]() |
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Detailed Information
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 venation 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.Please visit our sponsors
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More photos
Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in Anoka county on a private restoration in Lexington and behind Rice Creek Elementary following fire.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2015-06-05 16:56:28
I keep seeing these wildflowers on the ground. I had to look it up, glad to put a name to the flower.
on: 2019-01-24 08:31:23
In 2004 in a jack pine (primarily)forest near the Dunka Road.