Violaceae

The Violet family is represented in our area by Viola.  There are many species, some of which are taxonomically difficult.  The most common are confederate violet, bird's foot violet, white striped violet, etc.  The pansy is the best known ornamental that comes out of this family.  The flowers are quite memorable with the showy colors and irregular symmetry, including the connivant stamens.
Web Links	Viola pedata - bird's foot violet

	This is dogtooth violet, Viola conspera.  You find this in the mountains primarily in the cool, shady places.
	This is one of the yellow violets at Wildwood Park in Bridgewater.  Several of my peers in the Native Plant Society have struggled with naming this species.  I have not had luck either, but there is no doubt this is an attractive species.
	field pansies (Viola rafinesquii) are variable but very prevalent in the early spring in any open place.  The common name is "Johnny Jump-ups"
	In the past 5 or so years, pansies of every kind are now available for planting, winter through summer.  Every variety imaginable is possible. They are particularly popular as winter garnishes.
	This is the common blue violet, which in our area we call Viola palmata.  Lumped also into this species is the 'blue-gray' form called the Confederate violet.  Both of these are quite common, appearing in a variety of habitats, including lawns and other open places.