The Yellow Downy Violet is a native species of violet that can be found across North America, thriving in mesic woodlands and, occasionally, in open meadows. Its range extends from Minnesota and Ontario to Nova Scotia in the north and stretches southward to Virginia. This unique violet produces two distinct types of flowers throughout its growing season. In early spring, it bears chasmogamous flowers, which open to facilitate cross-pollination, while in summer and autumn, it produces cleistogamous flowers, which remain closed and self-pollinate.
The species name pubescens refers to its downy-haired texture, a distinguishing feature of this plant. A similar-looking species, the round-leaved yellow violet (Viola rotundifolia), can often be mistaken for the Yellow Downy Violet. However, the two species can be differentiated by their leaf characteristics. The Yellow Downy Violet has both basal and cauline leaves, meaning it has leaves growing from both the base and along the stem, whereas the round-leaved yellow violet only possesses basal leaves. Additionally, their leaf shape and margin further distinguish them, making careful observation necessary for proper identification.
There is currently no commercial application for yellow downy violet.
Within the realm of natural and holistic medicine, there is currently no documented use for downy yellow violet.
Please note that MIROFOSS does not suggest in any way that plants should be used in place of proper medical and psychological care. This information is provided here as a reference only.
There is currently no edibility information on downy yellow violet.
Please note that MIROFOSS can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the consumption of plant species which are found in the wild. This information is provided here as a reference only.
The Yellow Downy Violet thrives in a variety of natural habitats, with a particular preference for dry forests and open meadows. It is well-adapted to areas with well-drained soils and can often be found growing beneath the canopy of deciduous trees or along the edges of woodland clearings. This species favors environments that receive full to partial sunlight, allowing it to flourish in both shaded and more exposed conditions. While it can tolerate some shade, it typically performs best when it has access to moderate sunlight, which helps support healthy growth and flowering. Its adaptability to different light conditions makes it a resilient species in diverse landscapes.
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The Yellow Downy Violet is a small yet distinctive wildflower that grows to a height of approximately 15 to 40 centimeters. Its stems are covered in soft, woolly hairs, giving the plant a slightly fuzzy appearance. The leaves of this species are heart-shaped, or cordate, with a crenate margin, meaning they have small, rounded teeth along the edges. They vary in size, ranging from about 4 to 10 centimeters in length and 4 to 13 centimeters in width, and feature a cross-venulate venation pattern, where the veins form a net-like structure across the surface.
The flowers of the Yellow Downy Violet are bright yellow, adding a splash of color to its natural surroundings. Toward the throat of each bloom, delicate purple veins emerge, guiding pollinators toward the reproductive structures. The flowers measure approximately 15 to 25 millimeters in width and consist of five petals, along with five sepals, five stamens, and a single pistil. Each year, the plant produces a small, woolly-haired seed capsule, which measures about 10 to 12 millimeters in length. This capsule contains the seeds that ensure the continuation of the species, allowing the Yellow Downy Violet to thrive in its preferred habitats year after year.
| Plant Height | 15cm to 40cm |  |
| Habitat | Dry forests and meadows | |
| Leaves | Cordate 4cm to 10cm long | |
| Leaf Margin | Crenate | |
| Leaf Venation | Cross-venulate | |
| Stems | Hairy stems | |
| Flowering Season | May to June | |
| Flower Type | Bilaterally Symmetrical | |
| Flower Colour | Yellow | |
| Pollination | Bees, Insects | |
| Flower Gender | Flowers are hermaphrodite and the plants are self-fertile | |
| Fruit | Small capsule 10mm to 12mm long | |
| USDA Zone | 4A (-31°C to -34°C) cold weather limit |
No known health risks have been associated with yellow downy violet. However ingestion of naturally occurring plants without proper identification is not recommended.
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-Click here- or on the thumbnail image to see an artist rendering, from The United States Department of Agriculture, of yellow downy violet (This image will open in a new browser tab) |
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There is currently no seed or bulbs images for yellow downy violet in the MIROFOSS database. |
Yellow Downy Violet can be referenced in certain current and historical texts under the following four names:
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| Dickinson, T.; Metsger, D.; Bull, J.; & Dickinson, R. (2004) ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto:McClelland and Stewart Ltd. | |
| Kartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR. | |
| Gleason, H.A.; Cronquist, A. (1991). Manual of the Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. Bronx, NY: The New York Botanical Garden Press. p. 162. ISBN 978-0893273651. | |
| USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. | |
| National Audubon Society. Field Guide To Wildflowers (Eastern Region): Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-375-40232-2 | |
| February 23, 2025 | The last time this page was updated |
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