Violaceae: a perennial height of 20cm, with slender creeping rhizome. Found on grazed grassland on hill-slopes and banks, and on rock ledges. The flowers are 2–3.5cm across, and are typically yellow, although some individuals may have blue, purple or blotched. Blooming April-September. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate. Native to Europe, from the British Isles to the Balkans.

Sow seed in early spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Succeeds in most soils but prefers a cool moist very well-drained humus-rich soil in full sun.