Long-stem violet (Viola acuminata) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Long-stem violet is an East Asian woodland violet rather than a native U.S. wildflower. Its upright stems and the small leaflike parts with deeply cut edges at the base of each leaf stalk help identify it in photos. The flowers have a short projection behind the petals, another useful clue beyond flower color.

Appearance

Growth form: This has upright stems about 4–16 in (10–40 cm) tall. Obvious basal leaves are usually absent when it flowers.
Leaves: Stem leaves are alternate, broadly egg-shaped to heart-shaped at the base, and pointed at the tip. The are deeply cut into narrow, fringe-like sections.
Flowers: Flowers are white to pale violet, with hairs near the base of the side petals and a short .
Flowering time: Across its native range, flowering is recorded mainly in May and June.
Fruit: The fruit is an oblong , recorded from June through September in China.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: moist woodland edges
thickets
shaded grassy slopes
Range: This violet grows from eastern Siberia and China through Korea and Japan. It is not part of the native U.S. flora.
Preferred conditions: It grows in moist or shaded ground in mixed forests, woodland margins, thickets, and grassy places.

Life cycle

Reproduction: Pollinated flowers develop dry capsules containing seeds.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: White-flowered and nearly hairless forms have also been named.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: For field photos in East Asia, include the whole stem and the small stipules at the leaf bases.

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