Viola rostrata Pursh - Spurred Violet
Family - Violaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
Stipule.
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Flowering - March - May.
Habitat - Rich moist woods, moist rocky slopes, often associated with Hemlock trees.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This attractive species can be found in the northeastern portion of Alabama. The plant is fairly non-distinct while not in flower but can be instantly identified by its long-spurred flowers. The stipules of the flowers are typically, but not always, pectinate.
The genus name Viola is the classical Latin name for the Violets.
The species epithet rostrata derives from the Latin "rostr(um)" meaning "a beak, snout, the prow of a ship" referring to the long spur of the flower.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at the Walls of Jericho, AL., 3-4-06.