Sweet Violet is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodlands and hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 15cm.
Sweet Violet is an early-flowering spreading violet with sweetly-scented purple or white flowers. Each flower has a spur to hold nectar. It has downy stems and leaves. Sweet Violet flowers are sometimes used in salads and in confectionery and cake decorations. In the past, they have also been used to produce perfume. The presence of established wild Sweet Violet can be an indicator of ancient woodland.
Botanic classification and naming: Sweet Violet is a member of the Violet (Violaceae) family. The genus name
'Viola' identifies the plant as a Violet and its species name 'odorata' means 'fragrant plant'.
Concerns: Sweet Violet is in decline in the UK from picking and damage caused by human activity.
Benefits: Sweet Violet provides food for nectar-feeders early in the spring, when nectar sources are still scarce.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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