Northern California Wild Violets

Hooked-Spur Violet (Viola adunca)

• Blue violet and Western dog violet are two of the common names of the hooked-spur violet (Viola adunca). Growing throughout much of the Golden State, the hooked-spur violet produces blue-violet flowers on delicate stalks. The plant is perennial, blooming from April through August in meadows and on mountain slopes. Hooked-spur violets grow in damp or dry conditions, preferring the shade. The flower is a lure to the larvae of moths from the Fritillary family, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Pioneer Violet (Viola glabella)

• The pioneer violet (Viola glabella) grows to 8 inches and produces a yellow flower that closely resembles a pansy. Pioneer violets have heart-shaped leaves typical of many violet species. This violet inhabits moist areas, such as redwood forests and stream banks, both of which occur in Northern California. Pioneer violets grow in partial to full shade. The plant is not difficult to develop in woodland gardens. It can reseed itself and spread to other areas if allowed.

Oregon Violet (Viola hallii)

• Despite its name, the Oregon violet (Viola hallii) is native to Northern California. This violet produces a cluster of shortened stems, upon which the flowers emerge. The flower features two smaller burgundy-colored petals above three cream-white petals streaked with yellow and maroon. Also called Hall's violet, the Oregon violet grows to 9 inches and blooms during the early spring. The species handles rocky ground, notes the Pacific Northwest Flowers website.

Goosefoot Violet (Viola purpurea)

• Some of the foliage of the goosefoot violet (Viola purpurea) is similar to the silhouette of a goose's foot, which is how this yellow violet got its name. The goosefoot violet grows to 4 inches in both lowlands and highlands throughout its range in the West. The species is native from British Columbia southward to Southern California and Arizona. The goosefoot violet's leaves have prominent veins and usually have a purplish tint. This violet blooms from May into August. Its three lower petals feature maroon veins.