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Violets (Viola species)
Violet Family (Violaceae)

Habitat:

These plants are found growing in lawns, woodlands, and swamps. There are 24 species of violets known from Maine.

Leaves:

Usually basal and heart-shaped, but some species have leaves growing from the stems. They are usually heart-shaped with serrated margins.

Flowers:

Small, with five petals. Colors range from yellow to white and blue to purple. Johnny Jump-up (V. tricolor) has multi-colored flowers.

Helpful Tips:

Most violets are native to Maine, but three of them were brought here from Europe. For more information, see Audubon Wildflower or Flora of Maine.

Canada Violet

Left: Canada Violet
(V. canadensis) in bloom.
Right: Blue Marsh Violet
(V. cucullata) in bloom.
(Photos courtesy of Matt Arsenault)
Blue Marsh Violet


Map of Violets in Bloom

Sightings of Violets in Bloom
2006
2007
2008
Date
Location
Date
Location
Date
Location

April 28

Topsham

       

April 29

Gardiner

       

April 30

Hallowell

       

May 1

Orono

       

May 2

Bar Harbor

       

May 3

Buckfield

       

May 4

Augusta

       

May 5

Wells

       

May 7

Scarborough

       

May 9

Kittery

       

 

Last Updated: July 18, 2006