Viola canadensis, June 2, 2020
Common & scientific name
Canada violet, Viola canadensis
Family
Viola, Violaceae
Location
Difficult Trail, 8,700’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Canada violets, found scattered throughout our woods, are unmistakeable. They have heart-shaped leaves, bright white petals, and purple lines guiding pollinators to their yellow center. Here they will come into contact with pollen, which will stick to their legs or bodies and be carried to the next flower for cross-pollination. Cross-pollination allows for the exchange of genetic information among plants, leading to the extraordinary diversity we see on our hikes.