Canada Violet (Viola canadensis)

Canada violet is a highly variable species with several varieties that cover most of the U.S. and Canada. Habitats are widely variable ranging form rich eastern deciduous forests, to reparian areas, coniferous forests and subalpine shrub and grasslands. The common element is the ground is moist early in the growing season. This photo is from a rich, shaded northern hardwood forest near Bradford, Pennsylvania. July 2001