Canada Violet.Viola Canadensis.
Found in May, and again less profusely in August, in forests and woodlands to the north, or in high regions.
The branching, leafy stalk varies from 6 inches to 2 feet in height; it is smooth to the touch. Light green in color.
The heart-shaped leaf with its tapering point has a strong midrib, a slightly notched and wavy margin, and a thin, firm texture; it is a clear green color. The leaves, on stems, grow alternately, with a pair of little wings at the stalk; they are gathered close at the ends of the branches.
The small flower has an inconspicuous spur, its lower broadest petal is pinched sharply together in the middle at the edge, the other 4 petals are all long oval, the side petals are bearded and flaring, while the upper two turn back. The texture of the petals is fine and thin. This is a two-colored flower—the face of the corolla is white, while the outside is lavender or dark rich violet; the heart of the blossom is yellow-tinged, and its markings are in bluish-lavender lines. The 5-parted green calyx is possessed of a violet lining which it displays to the world by daintily turning back its uppermost tip. The flowers, on stems, spring from the angles of the leaves.
Sometimes the lavender facing of the petals is betrayed by a faint tinge of the color showing through their thin texture. This is an odorous Violet, and particularly pretty, with a kindly habit of blossoming a second time in the late summer,—a not uncommon custom in the family, but followed by no other member with such regularity and generosity of bloom.