Dog Violet /Spring / Summer / Edible

The Dog Violet (Viola riviniana) is a small but beautiful wildflower that adds a splash of purple to hedgerows, woodlands, and grasslands across the UK. Unlike its scented relative, the Sweet Violet, this delicate bloom lacks fragrance, but it more than makes up for it with its widespread presence and importance to pollinators.

While not commonly used in foraging, the Dog Violet plays a vital role in the ecosystem, providing food for butterflies such as the rare Fritillary species. In this post, we’ll explore how to identify Dog Violets, where they grow, and why these unassuming flowers are an essential part of the British countryside.

Common Names

Common Dog Violet, Early Dog Violet, Wood Violet

Botanical Name

Viola riviniana

Scientific Classification

Kingdom – Plantae

Order –Malpighiales 

Family – Violaceae

Physical Characteristics of Dog Violet

Low growing perennial plant, flowering in spring and with leaves that can be seen most year round. Spreads easily with its stem rhizomes that give it a matt forming nature. Almost identical to sweet violets in appearance but lacks the sweet violet scent.

Leaves

Heart-shaped leaves about 5cm or smaller across, with a slightly jagged or crenate (rounded) edge. The upper surface is a rich green, while the undersides are paler. They often have a short petiole (stem connecting the leaf to the main plant).

Flowers

The flowers are typically purple or violet, with five petals arranged with two above and three below, the lower middle petal has a more pronounced stripy pattern as is a nectar guide for pollinators. These flowers are small and delicate, measuring about 2-3 cm across. The lower petal has a small spur at the back which is lighter than the petals ( a way to tell this species apart from other violets). They bloom in spring to early summer , sometimes as early as March. The flower of Dog violet has no scent.

The best time to harvest the leaves and flowers is in the early spring when they are abundant and fresh. Flowers generally bloom from March to May, while leaves can be collected as soon as they begin to emerge in the spring, they remain year round but become a bit tough with age.

Gently pluck flowers or leaves by hand to avoid damaging the plant.

Only harvest small quantities from each plant, allowing it to continue growing and reproducing.

I keep a separate jar or cloth bag for the flowers as they are small and delicate.

Stem

The plant has a slender, usually upright stem , often curving over at the top where the flower is attached and can reach a height of about 10cm. It is unbranched having one flower per stem.

Habitat

Viola riviniana is native to the UK and temperate regions of Europe and parts of Asia. It is common and widespread, thriving in woodlands, meadows, grasslands, and along forest edges, often in moist and well-drained soils. The plant prefers partial shade but can also tolerate some direct sunlight. It is typically found in areas with mild, temperate climates.

Known Hazards

The flowers and leaves of Dog violets and indeed all violets are safe however do not consume the seeds or roots of any violets.

A small minority may experience skin irritation from Violets, its very rare but something for sensitive people to be aware of.

Dog Violet Could Be Confused With….

When in flower they are easy to ID and can only be confused with other Violet Species, including sweet violets, of which there are 28 different species all looking quite similar.

From the leaves alone there’s a couple that grow in similar places at the same time so its easiest to id them when in flower. 

Edible Uses

Leaves: The tender leaves can be used in salads, teas, or as a garnish. They have a mild, slightly earthy flavour.

Flowers: Though edible, they lack the wonderful scent and flavour of Sweet violets which are better to use from a culinary view though still lovely to use to decorate desserts, salads, or beverages

Flowers can be crystallised in sugar to preserve as decorations.

Notes on Herbal uses

Viola riviniana has mild anti-inflammatory properties and has been used traditionally to treat skin irritations and wounds.

The flowers are sometimes used in herbal remedies to soothe sore throats or treat coughs

The leaves and flowers contain vitamins A and C.

Extra notes from the Foragers

This plant is very important for several fritillary butterflies, including the Small pearl-bordered, the pearl-bordered and the silver-washed fritillaries, because they lay their eggs on it.

Fen violet, a related species that is rare and on the red date list so must not be picked. The Fen violet have much paler flowers and grow in wet lands. 

As with any flower in spring, very careful consideration should be taken before harvesting, pollinators need them so much more than we do, personally I don’t collect any spring flowers until I can see an established abundance. For leaves, taking one from each plant in an abundant area is fine.

The name ‘dog’ comes from the lack of sweet smell and ‘dog’ was often given to less notable or less valuable species as in ‘only good for a dog’s dinner’.

Resources

https://bugwomanlondon.com/2016/05/18/wednesday-weed-common-dog-violet/comment-page-1/

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/common-dog-violet