Wood Violet – A Versatile Wildflower
I remember the sheer delight of seeing my first violet in the woods.
We were lucky enough to grow up in a wooded area with a large backyard that sloped down to a lively creek. As kids, we love to sail leaves on the stream and generally play in the dappled shade near the water. So the trips down the slope were many and one spring day I spotted the jewel-like tone of deep violet blue in the shade. It was a moment of simple gladness that such beauty would freely exist for the picking.
I still feel that way when April showers bring forth the first violet blooms of early May. I’m so smitten with violets that I have a collection of them growing on my land….reddish Canadian Labrador toilets, pure whites one, a tiny white violet that has a different shaped flower, Dog toothed violets, a simple yellow violet, fragrant violets. Spy much beauty
I love collecting them for a miniature bouquet , I have made simple syrup for refreshing beverages , drank the tincture in moments of heartache, candied them for cupcake garnishes, eaten them in salads along with their leaves …and garnished a million bridal dishes with their blossoms and heart shaped leaves( which happen to be rich in vitamins A and C). Said to gladden the heart, I say,” let the violet eating begin!”
Luckily, there are many! The Viola genus is over 600 species strong, growing largely in North America. Not especially fussy, violets grow in a variety of conditions , from deep shade to semi- sunny fields, and spread freely.
Over the centuries, pansies were created from the humble violet.
THANK A WOODLAND VOILET WHEN YOU PUT IN YOUR SPRING PANSIES!
