Seasonal Wild Flowers

Latin name

Viola hirta

Family

Violaceae

Flowering season

March to May

English distribution

It is found throughout the country except for parts of the

North,the West Midlands, East Anglia and the far

Southwest

See the BSBI distribution map for Hairy Violet

Habitat

It grows in limey habitats such as on the short grassland

and open scrub of downs, limestone pavement, by open

woodland tracks, railways and roads.

Description

Hairy Violet is a native, perennial, non-stoloniferous,

scentless, herb growing up to 10 cm.

The flower is up to 15mm, blue-lilac and with spur slightly

turning upwards.

The 5 stamens envelop the ovary.

The single, fleshy, pale green style is slightly curved.

The sepals are blunt and the appendages small.

The leaves are triangular ovate and hairy at the margins,

the mid rib and the underside.

The flower stems (pedicels) are long and very hairy.