Violaceae

Non-woody (herbaceous) perennials with bilaterally symmetrical flowers that have a lower petal bearing a tubular nectar-containing outgrowth (spur) and purple lines called nectar guides at the base of some of the petals, since these plants are all insect-pollinated; includes Violets and Pansies, some of our most well-known early spring wildflowers and best-loved garden plants.

Violets have 2 types of flowers, colourful spring-blooming ones that open (chasmogamous) and shorter flowers that occur later in the season, never open, have no petals and are self-pollinating (cleistogamous). Flowers may be on leafless stalks that arise from the ground, or on leafy stems. Sepals 5, green, similar and often persist long after flowering. Petals 5, including the spurred lower, two identical side (lateral) petals and two identical upper petals. A tuft of hairs (beard) may be present on the side petals and the lower petal. Stamens 5, very short, their edges touching to form a ring around the ovary, and the two lowest with a nectar-producing gland that extends into the spur on the lowest petal. Carpels 3, fused; style 1, usually curved or hooked and enlarged or modified at the tip. Fruit a capsule with several chambers.

Leaves simple, alternate or sometimes whorled or forming a basal rosette, and may be toothed or lobed; distinctively heart-shaped in many violet species. Stipules present.