Early Dog-violet

One of my favourite plants (how many times have I said this?), Viola reichenbachiana is a much more slender and delicate plant than its robust cousin Common Dog-violet, V. riviniana. Both are in flower now, but the early species is really restricted to dappled shade in ancient woods. It is often called 'Wood Violet' to mark its restricted habitat. As well as being generally more delicate, the spur at the back of the flower is usually darker than the petals, whilst in the Common Dog-violet the spur is always a pale white or yellow. Both species of wild violets add cheer to a walk in March/April. Soon the flowers will be over and the tiny leaves will be overgrown with other vegetation, but the female Fritillary butterflies will still be able to find them and lay eggs on them - another reason for them being a favourite of mine.