western Canada violet
(Viola canadensis var. rugulosa)
Conservation • Weed • Wetland • Description • Habitat • Ecology • Use • Distribution • Taxonomy
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Description |
Western Canada violet, also called creepingroot violet, is a 8″ to 16″ tall, erect, perennial forb that rises from superficial underground stems (rhizomes). It is colonial by producing above-ground horizontal stems (stolons) that creep along the ground, rooting and sending up new plants at the nodes. The stems are erect, leafy, and usually hairy. Leaves and flowers appear on the same stem. Basal leaves large and on long stalks. They are heart-shaped at the base and taper to a point at the tip with straight sides along the tip. Stem leaves are alternate and are similar to the basal leaves only narrower. They are 2″ to 4″ long and usually wider than they are long. Lower stem leaves are widely spaced. Upper stem leaves are larger and more densely crowded. There are small, lance egg-shaped, untoothed stipules at the base of the flower stalks. The inflorescence is a single flower rising on a slender stalk rising from the upper leaf axils. The flowers are 1″ to 1½″ wide. There are 5 white petals in an arranged typical of violets, two upper, two lateral, and a broad lower lip. The petals are yellow near the center. The lateral and lower petals have dark purple veins near the center. The lateral petals have tufts of hair near the center (bearded). All petals, but especially the two upper ones, are purplish on the outside. The fruit is a capsule just under ½″ long. When the plant is in fruit the stipules dry and translucent. |
Height |
8″ to 16″ |
Flower Color |
White with yellow centers |
Similar Species |
Habitat |
Moderate moisture. Woods. |
Ecology |
Flowering |
April to June |
Pests and Diseases |
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Use |
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Distribution |
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| 5/21/2025 | ||
Nativity |
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Native |
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Occurrence |
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Common |
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Taxonomy |
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Kingdom |
Plantae (green algae and land plants) |
Subkingdom |
Viridiplantae (green plants) |
Infrakingdom |
Streptophyta (land plants and green algae) |
Superdivision |
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Division |
Tracheophyta (vascular plants) |
Subdivision |
Spermatophytina (seed plants) / Angiospermae (flowering plants) |
Class |
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Superorder |
Rosanae |
Order |
Malpighiales (nances, willows, and allies) |
Family |
Violaceae (violet) |
Subfamily |
Violoideae |
Tribe |
Violeae |
Genus |
Viola (violets) |
Subgenus |
Viola (pansies and violets) |
Section |
Chamaemelanium |
Subsection |
Canadenses |
Species |
Viola canadensis (Canada violet) |
A recent redescription of this subspecies (Ballard, 2020) proposed segregating Viola rugulosa from Viola canadensis as a distinct evolutionary species. The reasons given are persuasive, and the separation has been adopted just a few sources, but not by most. GBIF, Catalog of Life, and Plants of the World Online use the name Viola rugulosa. ITIS, GRIN, USDA PLANTS, NatureServe, iNaturalist, Flora of North America, and World Flora Online use the name Viola canadensis var. rugulosa. |
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Subordinate Taxa |
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Synonyms |
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Lophion rugulosum Viola rugulosa |
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Common Names |
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Canada violet Canadian violet Canadian white violet creeping-root violet creepingroot violet rugose violet tall white violet tall-white violet western Canada violet western Canada white violet western tall white violet |
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Glossary
Axil
The upper angle where the leaf stalk meets the stem.
Bearded
Bearing one or more tufts of hairs.
Rhizome
A horizontal, usually underground stem. It serves as a reproductive structure, producing roots below and shoots above at the nodes.
Stipule
A small, leaf-like appendage at the base of a leaf stalk or flower stalk.
Stolon
An above-ground, creeping stem that grows along the ground and produces roots and sometimes new plants at its nodes. A runner.
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Dan W. Andree |
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I came across these lighter ones a few days ago on a cross country ski trail that I mainly use as a hiking trail near Twin Valley, Mn. They were almost white with more purplish color on the backside of the flowers. … The trail was pretty much wooded and these were just on the edge of the wide trail bordering the trees. |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos |
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Slideshows |
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Other Videos |
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Minnesota Native Plant - Canada Violet (Viola Canadensis) |
About
Published on Jun 18, 2013 The Canada Violet (Viola Canadensis) is the subject of this video about Minnesota Native Plants. Thanks for watching! |
Visitor Sightings |
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Dan W. Andree |
Location: Norman Co. Mn. |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Sightings |
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Created: 3/23/2009 Last Updated: © MinnesotaSeasons.com. All rights reserved. |