IDioIet 3famili2. 



Downy Yellow Violet. V^ola puhescens. 



Found ill woods and moist shade, in May. 



The branching, leafy, slightly angular stalk is shining near the 

 foot, but hairy above, and grows from 5 to 12 inches high. It is light 

 green. Near the foot a small sheathing leaf may be observed. 



The leaf is large, usually broader than it is long, and varying in 

 form from a round-pointed to a sharp-pointed shape ; its ribs show 

 plainly underneath, its margin is slightly notched, and the surface is 

 soft and downy to the touch ; in color, a clear green, lighter under- 

 neath. The leaves, on their long, grooved stems, grow alternately, with 

 a pair of up-pointing little wings at the joint. 



The lower petal of the flower is scoop-shaped, shallow and short, 

 and notched into two scallops at the tip, with a very short spur ; the 4 

 other petals are rounding and nearly equal in size. In color, a pure 

 golden-yellow, with many dark markings on the lower petal, and fainter 

 lines on the others. The single flowers grow on slender stems from 

 the angles of the leaves. 



The branches are wide-spreading, and the flower-stem springs 

 away from the leaves with a decided gesture, nor does the Yellow Violet 

 bend its head ; the leaves are generally flat in manner of growth save 

 for the little scoop at the stem. A few separate leaves on independent 

 stems rise about the foot of the flowering stalk. This plant bears a 

 profusion of blossoms, and continues to flower for a considerable time. 



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