There are 17 species of violets in Missouri. The common violet, which can be violet, white, or white-and-violet, is found statewide in a variety of habitats. Note its heart-shaped or rounded, scalloped leaves, and (usually) the presence of hairs on stems and/or foliage.

The common violet is one of several species that usually have purple or bluish flowers; that have unlobed heart- or kidney-shaped leaves; and that lack a true stem (that is, each leaf and flower has its own separate leaf stem that arises individually from the tip of the rootstock; there is no aboveground stalk to which alternate leaves and flowers are attached). Violet flowers have 5 petals: The lowest petal forms a spur containing nectar, and the 2 side petals typically have a tuft of hairs ("beard") on the upper (inner) side; in this species, the hairs are uniformly slender and not club-shaped at the tips. The lower petal in common violets is usually glabrous (hairless) or it may have a few slender hairs on the upper surface toward the base. The color of this species is variable.

The ones in my photo above are growing "naturally" in the shade of a tree on a slope where our planted fescue grass is thin from erosion. Natural wild plants will reclaim the land when given the chance.


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Another paradox: Flower or Weed???

I see it as a wildflower in our yard. My husband sees it as a weed in the lawn. Some garden centers sell it as a wildflower to be treasured. Other garden centers recommend herbicides to kill it off... Violets have many uses as wild edibles. The flowers can be dipped in stiff egg whites, rolled in sugar, and allowed to dry, to make a striking, decorative confection. The flowers can also be made into jelly, and the leaves and flowers used in green salads. However, they only flower once a year for a very short time and the flowers are tiny (about 1/2 inch in size).

Now, that I'm thinking of it, I wonder if I can dig some of the wild violet rhizomes up and plant them in a pot like I did with my potted Yellow Wood Sorrel: https://pbase.com/britestar/image/172490427

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The photo above was taken in the shade on an overcast day just before a rainstorm. Such lighting helps colors to pop. In normal full sun, the tones are less vivid.