|
 |
|
Native Plants of the Great Lakes
North Branch Restoration Project:
Native Plant and Seed Collection
Viola Pedatifida / Family: Violaceae
Prairie Violet, Swink/Wilhelm # 9
FLOWERING: May to early June
SEED TIMING: Seed pods are produced all summer
HABITAT: Mesic prairie
DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES: 4 - 8 inches high. Broad leaves with
an overall shape of a fan, but deeply divided, usually into three or
more parts. Each of these parts is further cleft, almost to the
base, into two or four narrow, grasslike lobes. Blue flowers, which
may grow to 3/4 inch across, are carried just above the leaves on
erect, slender stems that arise from the crown.
TO PICK: Fruit is a yellowish gray capsule about 1/4 inch
long. It contains several tiny, light brown seeds. Capsules must be
picked before they explode and scatter seed over wide area. Unripe
capsules face downward. When they turn a lighter color and bend
upward, they are ready to gather. Pinch or cut capsules off and
place in a closed brown paper bag until they open and release seeds.
When seeds are dry, remove as much of the chaff as possible and
store seeds in a plastic bag in a cool place. |
