Long-spurred Violet (Viola rostrata)

Long-spurred Violet has lavender colored flowers and looks rather like Labrador Violet, but its nectar spur is very long (see photos). It is found throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan in moist deciduous woods. The leaves are cordate (heart-shaped).

All violets have five petals; two on top, one on each side (lateral), and one on the bottom. The lower petal is the spurred petal. Two of Michigan’s violets have extra long spurs: long-spurred violet and great spurred violet. Most violets also have purple lines toward the center. These are the nectar guides for pollinators.

Violets bloom in the spring and then in the fall they produce closed flowers that self-pollinate. All of the violets in Michigan have this characteristic, except bird’s-foot violet.

Long-spurred Violet (Viola rostrata)

Michigan Flora reference page for state distribution: Long-spurred violet

Height: 3-6”

Bloom time: May-June

Soil: rich loam

Sun: dappled light to shade

Plant spacing: 6-12”

Flower: lavender

Life cycle: perennial

Family: Violaceae

Seed source: Michigan