Common Yellow Violet (Smooth Yellow Violet)

Viola pubescens eriocarpa (Viola pensylvanica)

From the rhizome emerges a basal rosette of 3 or more leaves on substantial petioles, and a stem bearing leaves and flowers.  Leaves are heart-shaped with serrated edges. Flower stalks rise from leaf axils on the stem; the flower is yellow with dark lines in the throat of the flower, on the bottom petal. This variety is largely lacking hair on the stems and leaves.

This may be the Smooth Yellow Violet or the Downy (or Hairy) Yellow Violet, Viola pubescens pubescens, which diagnostically has finely downy or hairy stems and leaves, but that feature is often lacking, making the two species--if they are distinct species--almost indistintuishable.  In Michigan, the Downy Yellow Violet is said to be the only yellow violet found in the state.

Under 1 foot, partial sun-partial shade.

Spring (April-June).

Note dark lines on lower petal.

8 April 2021.

Common Yellow Violet, 9 May 2020.