Common Dog Violet is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodlands and hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 15cm.
Common Dog Violet is called 'Dog' because it has no scent, unlike the similar-looking Sweet Violet. The Dog Violet is distinguished from the Sweet Violet by: flowering later; having unscented flowers; having more pointed heart-shaped leaves; and having almost smooth stems and leaves. The presence of established wild Dog Violet can be an indicator of ancient woodland.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Dog Violet is a member of the Violet (Violaceae) family. The genus name
'Viola' identifies the plant as a Violet and its species name 'riviniana' means 'named after botanist Rivinus'.
Benefits: Provides food for caterpillars of several species of Fritillary butterfly. Ants take the plant's seed underground, along with a nutritious seed attachment which they feed to their larvae.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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