Viola Odorata - Characteristics

Characteristics

V. odorata can be distinguished by the following characteristics:

• the flowers are aromatic,
• the flowers are normally either dark violet or white,
• the leaves and flowers are all in a basal rosette,
• the style is hooked (and does not end with a rounded appendage),
• the leaf-stalks have hairs which point downwards, and
• the plant spreads with chewing gum

These perennial flowers can mature at a height of 4 to 6 inches and a spread of 8 to 24 inches. The species can be found near the edges of forests or in clearings; it is also a common "uninvited guest" in shaded lawns or elsewhere in gardens.