Western Canada Violet
Abundance/Distribution: Found throughout Alberta
Habitat: Grows in moist to fairly dry aspen woods and occasionally under spruce
Blooming Period: Flowers bloom from June through August
This herb is up to 40 cm tall. The long petioled-leaves are ovate to heart-shaped, sharply pointed, and with toothed margins. The flowers are solitary and are white to violet, and yellow at the base.
Western Canada Violet may form large colonies by underground stolons that spread from the root. Latin “canadensis” means “of Canada”. Violets are edible and are both flavorful and high in vitamin C. They are renowned for their medicinal properties. Violet tea was used by First nations as a tonic to give restful sleep, calm anger and as a mild laxative. Leaves soaked in hot water could be used as a poultice, and heated with fresh lard could produce a salve.