Thursday, May 01, 2008

Urban Wildlife Watch - Wooly Blue Violets


April Showers Bring May Flowers


This is the Wooly Blue Violet or the Viola sororia. It is an understory or ground cover plant that grows well in the shade. It is a native (US plant) grows thoughout many parts of the country - the midwest, out east. If you don't have a "fancy" lawn, then it will grow well on your front or back yard. The stalks of the flower and leaves can get up to 6-7 inches, about the length when most people consider cutting the grass. The flowers are small, about the diameter of a quarter and I can detect no odor. I haven't yet noticed any bees or ants trying to sip nectar from them. But aren't they pretty? Here are two more shots of them. Can't you tell I've been practicing my shots and lighting and such? Also, noticed the heart-shaped leaves of the violet - a signature physical trait.

1 comment:

squirrelmama said...

You have a beautiful and well-written blog and if you don't mind I am going to add a link to yours from mine (greyandred.blogspot). Planting for wildlife (as we do on our own property) is indeed so very critical for supporting the wildlife of our country. Keep spreading the gospel!

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