Viola tripartita Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Viola tripartita Ell. – Yellow Violet

Viola tripartita plant

FamilyViolaceae

Stems:

N/A

Leaves:

Viola tripartita leaves

Viola tripartita stipules

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Viola tripartita calyx

Viola tripartita flower

Flowering – March – May.

Habitat – Rich woods. Typically found on basic soils.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This attractive species can be found mainly in the northern half of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its caulescent habit, entire stipules, wide leaves, and yellow flowers. Some forms of the plant have deeply dissected, three-parted leaves.
The genus name Viola is the classical Latin name for the Violets.
The species epithet tripartita derives from the Latin “tri” meaning “three” and “partit” meaning “divided” referring to the three-parted leaves of some plants.

Alabama Distribution:

Viola tripartita map

Photographs taken in Auburn, AL., 4-16-05.