Long-spurred violet

Long-spurred violet (Viola rostrata) is in the Violet Family family (Violaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,309 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.

Nationally it blooms mainly from April to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.

When to photograph Long-spurred violet: observations by month (U.S.)

About Long-spurred violet

Viola rostrata, commonly called the long-spurred violet, is an herbaceous plant in the violet family (Violaceae). It is native to eastern North America, where it is found in Canada and the United States, primarily in the Northeastern, Midwestern, and Appalachian regions. Its natural habitat is acidic mesic forests, often growing near Tsuga canadensis.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Long-spurred violet by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related wildflowers (Violet Family)

American field pansyViola rafinesquei

Canada VioletViola canadensis

California Golden VioletViola pedunculata

Smooth Yellow VioletViola eriocarpa

Halberd-leaved violetViola hastata

Bird's Foot VioletViola pedata

European field pansyViola arvensis

Stream VioletViola glabella

Photography tips

• Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
• Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
• Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
• Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.

FAQ