Credit: Richard Becker / WTML
Where to find common dog violet
Dog violet is common and widespread across the UK. Find them in woods, heaths, hedgerows and grasslands. They are in flower from April to June.
Common dog violet (Viola riviniana)
A charming sanctuary for butterflies, common in UK woodland. Look to the woodland floor for a flush of purple and you might see fritillary butterflies feeding and laying their eggs.
Quick facts
Common name(s): common dog violet, wood violet, common violet
Scientific name: Viola riviniana
Family: Violaceae
Origin: native
Flowering season: April to June
Habitat: woodland, grassland, heathland
What does dog violet look like?
Dog violets are small, perennial flowers which grow up to 15 centimetres in height.
Leaves: heart-shaped and dark green in colour.
Flowers: five striking purple petals that overlap each other slightly, with a white centre. 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.
Credit: Simon Colmer / naturepl.com
Value to wildlife
Common dog violet provides a source of food for rare butterflies, including the silver-washed fritillary, the high brown fritillary and the dark green fritillary. Some also use the plant as a host for their eggs.
Mythology and symbolism
Ancient Greeks thought of violets as symbols of fertility and romance.
Did you know?
In the Victorian Language of Flowers, a purple violet indicated that the sender’s thoughts were ‘occupied with love’ for the recipient.
Did you know?
The ‘dog’ in dog violet refers to its lack of scent, not the pet!
Uses of dog violet
Violets were used by the Ancient Greeks in herbal medicine and were said to help cure skin diseases. Scented varieties have been used in perfume for centuries.
Identify wildflowers on the go
Discover wildflowers when you're out and about with your mini pocket guide to the UK's common woodland plants.
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