This is an unusually cold early spring, but new plant growth is slowly emerging. On a recent walk in Eliza Howell, I noticed that a few violets are now up.
The flowers will follow before long.
While some roses are red, violets are not truly blue. They come in a variety of other colors, reflecting the variety of violet species that exist. Probably the most common violet found in Eliza Howell Park is the color that I have always associated with this flower.
It grows in the woods and in the open areas. In the next picture, it can be seen with wild strawberry blossoms.
In 2017, I photographed three other colors of violets in the park.
Not all Spring flowers that are sometimes called “violets” are really violets. One of the flowers found in EHP in Spring is one (next picture) that is frequently called “Dog Tooth Violet.” It is not a violet (the leaves and the flower are both very different) and is, I think, better identified as White Trout Lily.
The violets are coming and different varieties will be blooming before April is over. I wonder… perhaps I will find an additional variety this year.
Eliza Howell Nature Walks 