Species: Viola papilioncea

Family: Violaceae

Growing Season: It blooms March - June.

Plant Size: It is 3 - 8" tall.

Habitat: The Common Blue Violet grows in damp woods, moist meadows, and along roadsides throughout the east.

Folklore: Zeus loved a nymph named Io. In order to hide Io from his jealous wife, Hera, Zeus turned Io into a white heifer.  Io was not use to eating the rough grass and began to weep.  Zeus, felt sorry for her and turned her tears
into sweet smelling flowers. Later named violets.

Significant Characteristics/ Features for Identification:
The flower has 5 petals.  3 facing upward and 2 facing down.  The violet produces another set of flowers but it doesn't grow very high.  It also doesn't open but, produces large amounts of seeds.

Uses:  You can use the fresh flower for a snack or jam.