Viola riviniana

'Common Dog-violet'

[Ex. North Yorkshire, England]

Violaceae: a pretty perennial herb of woodland rides and grassland. The flowers are 15-25mm across, bluish violet with a blunt, pale spur that is notched at the top, pointed sepals. Blooming from March-May. The leaves are long-stalked, heart-shaped and mainly hairless. Widespread and locally common throughout. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to Spain, Italy and Greece.

USES:

The young leaves and flower buds eaten raw or cooked. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. The uncooked leaves, flowers and buds can be used make an herbal tea.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Prefers a cool moist well-drained humus-rich soil in partial or dappled shade and protection from scorching winds. Sow stored 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.

HARVESTED:

 
APPROX. 50 SEEDS