Wild Yellow Violets

It is interesting to note that many of the first wildflowers to appear in Spring are Yellow....such as the Buttercups and Dog Tooth Violets mentioned in earlier posts, and the currently blooming wild yellow Violets. I think God knew how much we would need that warm, sunny color this time of year, to cheer our winter weary souls!

The wild Yellow Violet is a favorite of mine. It is small in size, but not not lacking in charm... possessing a sweet, subtle fragrance.

I researched to find a botanical name for our variety of yellow violets. The leaves are quite different than most of the images I found, until I came across a source on Idaho Wildflowers which identifies it as Viola vallicola, the Valley Violet. It apparently has been reclassified, formally being called Nuttal's violet. It is distinguished by it's large lanceolate leaves, as opposed to the rounder leaves of other types. I am quite happy for it's new name, as Valley Violet is ever so much nicer sounding....and seems fitting for us, living here in our river valley.


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The Violet

Down in a green and shady bed,
A modest violet grew;
Its stalk was bent, it hung its head
As if to hide from view.
And yet it was a lovely flower,
Its color bright and fair;
It might have graced a rosy bower,
Instead of hiding there.

Yet thus it was content to bloom,
Its modest tints arrayed;
And there diffused a sweet perfume,
Within the silent shade.

Then let me to the valley go
This pretty flower to see;
That I may also learn to grow
In sweet humility.

Jane Taylor