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The Common dog-violet (Viola riviniana) belongs to Violaceae (the Viola family). It is a perennial herb that is native to Eurasia and Africa. This herb grows in woodland ridges, grassland and shady hedge banks, and it can reach 5-20 cm in height. The leaves are widely cordate–almost kidney-shaped, basal rosette, alternate and stalked. The blue-violet flowers bloom from April to June. The lower lip has prominent veins and its spur is lighter in color than the petals. The leaves and flowers are edible.
Incidentally, the purple-leaved Viola labradorica 'Purpurea' sold in Japan is not from North America, but Viola riviniana from Europe, which has been mistakenly distributed in the horticultural market. The correction is no longer possible in the horticultural market. The 3rd to 5th and bottom photos show individuals marketed commercially as Viola labradorica.
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