Common Dog Violet

Common Dog Violet Overview

Viola riviniana, the Common Dog Violet, is a mat-forming rhizomatous perennial species from the Violaceae family. It produces oval to heart-shaped and slightly hairy leaves that grow from a low-growing rosette. Flowers are violet-purple in colour, with a straight pale whitish spur, these are formed on lateral stems from late spring-early summer, they measure 1.2-1.8cm across. This plant is sometimes confused with the Early Dog Violet, Viola reichenbachiana, which can flower at the same time but has a purple flower spur and the Sweet Violet, Viola odorata, which produces scented flowers.