Douglas' violet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Douglas' violet |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Viola (plant)
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| Species: |
douglasii
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Viola douglasii is a type of violet often called Douglas' violet or Douglas' golden violet. This pretty yellow flower grows naturally in western North America. You can find it from Oregon down through California and into Baja California in Mexico. It likes to grow in places that are wet for part of the year, especially on a special kind of soil called serpentine soil.
About Douglas' Violet
Douglas' violet is a small plant that grows from underground stems, called rhizomes. These rhizomes help the plant spread and create new shoots. The plant usually grows in a clump of upright stems. These stems are quite short, ranging from just a few centimeters to about 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) tall.
Leaves and Stems
The leaves of Douglas' violet are quite interesting. They are attached to long stalks called petioles. Each leaf blade is deeply cut into several thin, finger-like parts. Sometimes, the leaves look like they are made up of several smaller leaflets. The leaves can be smooth or have a soft, fuzzy feel.
The Golden Flowers
Each Douglas' violet plant produces a single flower on a long, straight stem. These flowers are usually bright or deep yellow. They have five petals. If you look closely, you might see brown lines or veins on the petals. The outside of the petals is also often brown. The largest petal, which is at the bottom, can be more than 2 centimeters (almost an inch) long. These bright yellow flowers stand out beautifully in their natural habitat.
