Viola purpurea facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Viola purpurea
Scientific classification
Genus:	Viola (plant)
Species:	purpurea

The Viola purpurea is a type of violet flower. It's often called the goosefoot violet because of its unique leaves. This small plant is known for its bright yellow flowers.

Discovering the Goosefoot Violet

The goosefoot violet is a small plant. It has thick, oval-shaped leaves that can be green or have a purplish color. These leaves often have a slightly toothed or ridged edge.

The flowers are a bright yellow. The bottom petal usually has purple streaks or lines. The petals on the sides might have a purplish color on their undersides.

Where Does This Violet Grow?

You can find different types, or subspecies, of the goosefoot violet across the western United States. They grow from Wyoming all the way to California.

This plant likes to live in specific kinds of places. It's a member of the chaparral plant community, which are areas with shrubs and dry conditions. It also grows in the foothills and lower parts of mountains.

Different Kinds of Goosefoot Violets

There are several subspecies of Viola purpurea. A subspecies is like a slightly different version of the same plant. These differences often help them live in specific environments. Most of these subspecies are also known as the goosefoot violet.

• Viola purpurea subsp. charlestonensis - This type can grow very high up, sometimes as high as 8,500 feet!
• Viola purpurea subsp. dimorpha
• Viola purpurea subsp. geophyta
• Viola purpurea subsp. integrifolia
• Viola purpurea subsp. mesophyta
• Viola purpurea subsp. mohavensis
• Viola purpurea subsp. purpurea
• Viola purpurea subsp. quercetorum
• Viola purpurea subsp. venosa - This type is found in the most places across the western United States.