Field or Wild Pansy
Viola bicolor
From Nearctica
Alien: Native of Europe.
Identification: Leaves and flowers located on the same stalk. Flowers either white or light blue, very flat, not looking very much like a violet. Stipules several, large, lobed, and arranged in a ring about the stem. Leaves spoon-shaped, tapering at the base into the petiole.
Distribution: Iowa to southern New England, southward to Florida and Texas. Also occurs in the central and southwestern United States.
Habitat: Field Pansy is an attractive weed found along roadsides, fields, and streambanks.
Flowering period: April to May.
Similar Species: The flat appearance of the flowers and the ring of large, lobed stipules are characteristic for the Field Pansy.
Comments: The scientific name Viola kitaibelliana has been used for this species in the past.