The bottom-most petal has darker purple detail. Not to be confused with: sweet violet (Viola odorata) which is very similar to the common dog violet in appearance but is scented – hence its name – whereas the dog violet is unscented.
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Why are dogs called violets?
The Common Dog-violet is so called due to its lack of perfume – the word ‘dog’ being used to mean it was considered inferior to the Sweet Violet (Viola odorata), its close relative, which is quite fragrant.
Is Viola native to UK?
Wild Pansy Viola tricolor is a native wild flower found growing throughout Britain on field margins and short grasslands. It is also common throughout Europe as far as the Caucasus. It flowers from May to September and is pollinated by long-tongued bees.
What does the flower violet mean?
Violets symbolize modesty. According to Greek mythology, violets were created when one of Artemis’ nymphs, who had all sworn to stay maidens, was being pursued by her twin brother, Apollo. To protect her nymph, Artemis transformed her into a violet, which in turn led the violet to become a symbol of modesty.
Do dog violets have scent?
Both the leaves and flowers are scented. This flower has a strange effect on the nose, meaning that went first encountered the scent will be strong, but after a few sniffs, it will appear to lose its perfume. If avoided for an hour or so and sniffed again, the scent will once again be easily detected.
Is dog violet edible?
The leaves and flowers are edible. The leaves are fairly bland, having a pleasant flavour with only a little bitterness, if any, making it a wild food worth picking up as you forage. The leaves of most violets have quite a lot in common.
How do you grow a dog violet?
Violets do best in full sun or partial shade, in soil that’s fertile with plenty of organic matter, and which drains well. Grow violets in a woodland garden, on rockeries and banks, at the front of borders or under shrubs with an open canopy that only cast a light shade.
What is a violet dog?
Scientific name: Viola riviniana. Our most familiar wild violet, the Common dog-violet can be spotted in a range of habitats from woodland to grassland, hedgerows to pastures. Its pansy-like, purple flowers appear from April to June.
Are violets wildflowers?
Distinguishing Features. The common wild violet is a native wildflower which tends to favour woods, thickets and stream banks. This is a low-growing perennial which features heart-shaped leaves and large blue-violet flowers (sometimes yellow or white).
Do dog violets spread?
Like many shade-loving plants, they prefer moist soils, neither dry nor waterlogged. Grazing animals avoid violets, so they can survive in grasslands where many other wildflowers have been nibbled by deer, sheep, horses or cattle. Violets have evolved a cunning way of spreading their seeds.
Is sweet violet invasive?
The sweet violet is not always so sweet. Some regions, conside Viola odorata an invasive species. The plant can easily overtake gardens and lawns when it is left unchecked. It is also commonly found growing near clearings and shaded areas.
Do wild violets smell?
Odorata in bloom in our unheated wildflower greenhouse. Since it was almost time to uncover the houses, I ran to the outside and cut a large hole in the opaque plastic just where the violets were. A burst of fragrance enveloped me in an intense spring scent.
What flower symbolizes death?
Chrysanthemum: In America, this gorgeous flower has many meanings, but it is often used as an expression of support or an encouragement to “get well soon.” In many countries in Europe, the chrysanthemum is placed on graves and viewed as a symbol of death.
What do Forget Me Nots symbolize?
Forget-Me-Not Symbolism Forget-me-nots symbolize true love and respect. When you give someone these tiny blooms, it represents a promise that you will always remember them and will keep them in your thoughts. They are also considered a symbol of fidelity and faithfulness.
What flower means love?
Camellia. The general meaning of these flowers is love, affection and admiration.
Are violets invasive UK?
This is a variant of the European native Common Dog Violet which is grown as a garden plant, but can become invasive as it self-seeds prolificly and the clumps can spread by short runners. The heart-shaped leaves have a purple tinge, but are greener if growing in deep shade.
How do you use violet leaves on dogs?
Drip some violet leaf oil onto a tissue and allow your pet to smell it straight from the tissue. Alternatively, suppose you like to use an aroma diffuser. In that case, you can add 3 to 5 drops of oil to your diffuser’s water chamber and allow the violet aroma to diffuse into the air to create a calming environment.
Where can I find violets in the UK?
Where to find sweet violet. Sweet violets are widespread across the UK, commonly found in woods and hedgerows. It is becoming less common, probably due to over-picking.
Are wild violets poisonous?
Although they all are edible, some are more palatable than others. The common blue violet is the most harvested. Flowers have 5 petals and a symmetrical, butterfly shape with varying hues of blue.
Are wild violets toxic to cats?
With their fuzzy green leaves and stunning year-round flowers, African violets bloom in a range of lavenders, blues, pinks, reds, and white—depending on the variety. Both the plant and flowers are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance, blooming plant.
Are wild violet leaves poisonous?
Edible Uses of Wild Violets Both the leaves and blossoms are edible, either raw or cooked, and are extremely high in vitamin C.
Will violets come back every year?
Wild Violet Flowers Although in some areas they are considered annuals or biennials, wild violets often self-seed, coming back each year in unexpected locations.
Do wild violets need sun or shade?
Although violets tolerate of a variety of light conditions, most will grow best in full sun to partial shade. Some woodland species tolerate more shade; in fact they can be planted in areas considered to be full shade.
Do violets bloom all year?
They’re known to bloom continuously, even throughout the darker months of winter. Place them throughout the house to enjoy their colors and velvety texture throughout the year. Once you get in a regular routine of taking care of African violets, you’ll find they grow very easily.
What does leapfrog violet do?
Violet teaches first words, feelings and emotions, counting and colors. She also features a lullaby timer with 5, 10 or 15 minutes of bedtime music.