PRINCIPAL SPECIES OF VIOLA 105 



Its native habitat is in low grounds and woods, and it bears 

 bright blue, rarely white, flowers. 



V. palustris. This is a marsh-loving species, with reni- 

 form leaves and lilac-coloured or white flowers with short 

 spurs. It is widely spread over the northern temperate 

 regions, including Britain. 



V. Patrinii. This species is also widely distributed 

 from Russia to Japan. It is distinct on account of the 

 leaves having winged petioles. The purple flowers are of 

 medium size. 



V. pedata A beautiful species found growing in dry 

 sandy woods and rocky hills in North America. The 

 leaves are pedately divided into about seven linear divisions, 

 while the large, bright-blue flowers are freely produced. 

 V. p. var. bicolor is a handsome kind, with the two upper 

 petals of a deep violet colour. There is also a pure white 

 form. It was introduced in 1759. 



V. pedatifida (syn. V. delphinifolia). This species is 

 closely allied to V. pedata, but has fewer divisions of the 

 leaves, and smaller, brilliant-blue flowers. It grows on the 

 prairies of Missouri in North America. 



V. persicifolia (syn. V. stagnina) is a form of V. 

 canina, but rather taller in habit, with pale-blue or white 

 flowers. It is usually found in boggy ground, and is a 

 native of this country and other parts of Europe. The 

 leaves are rather long and narrow. 



