Hookedspur violet facts for kids
Viola adunca is a type of violet flower. It is also known by common names like hookedspur violet or early blue violet. This plant grows naturally in meadows and forests. You can find it across western North America, Canada, and the northern United States.
This plant is usually small and hairy. It grows from a tiny underground stem called a rhizome. Its leaves look like spades or hearts. They are usually 1 to 4 centimeters long. Each flower grows on a long, thin stem called a peduncle.
The flowers are purple and nod downwards. They have five petals. The bottom three petals are white at their base with purple lines. The two side petals have white fuzzy hairs. The top two petals might have small hooks at their tips. This plant lives for many years, making it a perennial.
Some types of V. adunca have white petals. One white-petaled form has been seen in Yosemite National Park. It has also been found in southern Ontario. There it grows in tall grass prairies and black oak savannas.
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The Violet's Role in Nature
Viola adunca is very important for some insects. It is the main food plant for the caterpillars of the Myrtle's silverspot butterfly. Bees and other insects help pollinate its flowers. The Polites mardon butterfly drinks nectar from this plant. Birds and mice also eat its seeds.
Conservation Status
In some parts of the United States, Viola adunca is rare. It is listed as an endangered species in Massachusetts and Connecticut. This means it needs special protection to survive.
Consumption and Traditional Uses
Edible Parts of the Violet
The leaves and flowers of Viola adunca can be eaten. You can add them to salads or cook them like spinach. They can also be brewed to make tea. These parts of the plant are rich in vitamins A and C.
Important Safety Note: The underground stems (rhizomes), fruits, and seeds of this plant are poisonous to humans. Eating them can cause an upset stomach or other problems. Always be careful and only eat parts of plants that you know are safe.
Native American Traditional Uses
Many Native American groups have used Viola adunca for different purposes.
- The Blackfoot people made a special liquid from the roots and leaves. They used it on sore or swollen joints. They also gave a similar liquid to children with asthma. The plant was also used to dye their arrows blue.
- The Dakelh people drank a tea made from the whole plant for stomach pain.
- The Klallam people mashed the flowers into a paste. They put this paste on the chest or side to help with pain.
- The Makah people chewed the roots and leaves while giving birth.
- The Tolowa people chewed the leaves and put them on sore eyes.
Quick facts for kids Hookedspur violet |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Viola (plant)
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| Species: |
adunca
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| Synonyms | |
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Viola bellidifolia |
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See also
In Spanish: Viola adunca para niños
