Biology:Viola nuttallii

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Short description: Species of flowering plant

Viola nuttallii
Viola nuttalli.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Violaceae
Genus: Viola
Species:
V. nuttallii
Binomial name
Viola nuttallii
Pursh

Viola nuttallii (Nuttall's violet or yellow prairie violet[1]) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the violet family (Violaceae), and is one of the few violet species with lanceolate leaves. It is native to the western Canada and the north-central and western United States,[2] appearing in upper steppe lands, forests, and alpine ridges.[3]

The genus name Viola means violet in Latin. For Nuttall's violet the only purple coloring is the nectar guides in the throat of the flower.[4] The species name is given in honor of noted botanist Thomas Nuttall.[2]

The plant is highly variable, usually with bright yellow petals. The veined, elliptical leaves are 2.5–10 centimeters (1–4 in) long.[3]

The species serves as a larval host for the Coronis fritillary butterfly.[2]

The leaves and flowers of the plant are edible as well as high in vitamins A and C. However, the rhizomes, fruits, and seeds are high in saponins and should not be eaten. [5]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q7933076 entry