Pine Violet
Viola lobata
Violet Family (Violaceae)

Flower: Five deep yellow petals with or without purple veins

Blooms: April to July

Leaves: Each is divided into 3 to 9 finger-like or moose antler-like lobes

Height: 4 to 12 inches

Tidbits: There are about eighty species of violets in the United States. The violet is a symbol of modesty and simplicity. Shakespeare was very fond of violets and included them often in his love sonnets. He used the flower as the symbol for humility and constancy in love. Modern times find us still using the leaves which are high in vitamins A & C. The leaves can be eaten in a salad or cooked like greens. Before more sophisticated methods were developed, chemists often used the juice from crushed violet blossoms to determine how much acid or base was contained in a substance. When touched by an acid, the juice turns red and if touched by base, it turns green.