Pine violet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pine violet |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Viola (plant)
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| Species: |
lobata
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Viola lobata, often called the pine violet, is a type of violet plant. It grows naturally in western North America. You can find it from southern Oregon through California and into northern Baja California. It likes to live in mountain ranges, foothills, and wooded areas.
This plant is a rhizomatous herb. This means it's a plant that grows from underground stems called rhizomes. These stems help the plant spread. The pine violet can grow from just a few centimeters tall to almost half a meter high.
What the Pine Violet Looks Like
The pine violet has leaves that grow on long stalks called petioles. The leaf blades are usually between 5 and 15 centimeters wide. They can be smooth, hairy, or even waxy to the touch.
Leaf Shapes
The leaves of the pine violet are quite interesting. They are often divided into narrow parts called lobes. Sometimes, they are even cut into many small segments. The shape of the leaf is actually how scientists tell the two main types, or subspecies, apart.
- Subspecies lobata: This type has leaves that are deeply cut into many small pieces.
- Subspecies integrifolia: This type has leaves that are mostly whole or have small teeth along their edges.
The Flowers
Each pine violet plant grows a single flower on a long, straight stem. The flower has five yellow petals. All five petals, or sometimes just the bottom three, have purple or brown lines that look like veins. The two top petals often have a splash of purple or brown color on their outer surfaces.
Where the Pine Violet Grows
The pine violet prefers to grow in specific places. It thrives in woodlands, which are areas with many trees. It also grows in other natural habitats found in the mountains and foothills of its native region. These areas provide the right amount of sunlight, soil, and moisture for the plant to grow well.
