Canada Violet
Viola canadensis
From Nearctica
Identification: Leaves and flowers on same stalk. Flowers white with petals yellow at their bases and with a purplish tinge on the backside. Stem with scattered hairs and a purple tint. Flower stalks relatively short (compared to Pale Violet). Small stipules present at the junction of the flower and leaf stalks.
Distribution: Canada and southward in the east to Georgia and Arkansas. Also occurs throughout most of the western United States.
Habitat: Northern forests and mountain forests further south.
Flowering period: April to July.
Similar Species: Canada Violet is most likely to be confused with Cream Violet. Cream Violet lacks yellow at the bases of the petals, the flower stalks are relatively long, and its possesses large, heavily toothed stipules.