Wood Violets
By: Barnaby Dorfman

About

Wood violet leaves have a mild, peppery taste and the brighter yellow flowers add a sweet hint. Wood violets are found in marshy areas as a ground cover and are packed with vitamin C. Blossoms are lavender in color. Available late winter and all spring. Gorgeous in salads and as a garnish. Foraged in the Pacific Northwest.

Information
Other names: Viola Papilionacea
Translations: Koka Violetās, Mediena Violetiniai, Nuanţe de violet din lemn, Drvo Violets, Wood hoa violet, Fioletowe drewno, Hout Violets, लकड़ी violets, Wood Violetas, Вуд Фиалки, Ξύλο Ιώδεις, الخشب البنفسج, 나무 제비꽃, Dřevo Fialová, Kayu violet, 紫罗兰木, Fusta Violetes, Vijolična Wood, Drevo Fialová, Legno Violets, ווד סיגליות, Trä Violets, Дрво љубичице, ウッドスミレ, Violets bois, Wood Violer, Wood fioler, Madera Violetas, Вуд Фіалки, Puu Violetit, Wood Виолетови


Physical Description
The wood violet is a small common flower popular throughout the United States and blooms between March and June.
Colors: Violet, Purple white, green


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Mild, Peppery, sweet
Mouthfeel: Tender
Food complements: Salads, Candies, Jelly
Wine complements: White
Beverage complements: Lemon/limeade
Substitutes: Blue violets, Yellow wood violets.


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: february, march, april, may, june, july, august
Peak: march, april, may, june
Choosing: When choosing wood violets observe for pest damage and treat accordingly. Since wood violets have no stems and stay close to the ground, bugs and other pests may be attracted to their oval-shaped fruits and bright colors.
Buying: You can purchase at your local garden station or order seeds online. 
Procuring: These perennials prefer shady areas and can grow up to six inches tall. Use heavily organic soil to plant wood violets. Propagate your wood violets in the spring or the beginning of the fall.


Preparation and Use

Cleaning: Use biodegradable pesticides such as neem oil to repel pests. Rinse thoroughly prior to preparation and use. 


Social/Political
Wood violets can be found in many woodland areas in America; 
History: Wisconsin state flowers were first nominated in 1908. When the official tally was taken on Arbor Day 1909, school children selected the wood violet (Viola papilionacea) over the wild rose, trailing arbutus, and the white water lily.