Canadian white violet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canadian white violet |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Viola (plant)
|
| Species: |
canadensis
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Viola canadensis is a beautiful wild flower. It is often called the Canadian white violet or Canada violet. You might also hear it called tall white violet or just white violet. This plant grows across a large part of Canada and the United States. You can find it from Alaska all the way to Newfoundland. It also grows south into states like Georgia and Arizona.
About the Canada Violet
Viola canadensis has pretty white flowers. The center of the flowers is usually yellow. Sometimes, you can see streaks of purple on the petals. The back of the petals often has a purple tint too. The leaves of this plant are shaped like a heart. They have coarse, rounded teeth along their edges.
Different Types
Just like there are different kinds of apples, there are also slightly different types of Viola canadensis. Scientists call these "subspecies" or "varieties." They are all part of the same main plant but have small differences.
Protecting This Plant
In some parts of the United States, the Canada violet needs special protection. It is listed as endangered in states like Illinois, Maine, and New Jersey. This means there are very few of these plants left there. It is also listed as threatened in Connecticut. This means its numbers are getting low. In Rhode Island, it used to grow there but is now gone. Protecting these plants helps keep our natural world healthy.
How People Use It
The leaves and flowers of the Canada violet are safe to eat. People can use the flowers to make tasty jelly.
Long ago, some Native American groups used this plant. The South Ojibwa people, for example, used the root. They would make a special liquid from it. This liquid was used to help with pains near the bladder.
