In song lyrics, movie and novel titles, “violets are blue.” But the violets that will be blooming soon in Eliza Howell Park come in a variety of – and in a combination of – colors.
The plants have emerged, most easily found near the river. They are low, with heart-shaped leaves, and promise multiple blooms in 2 to 3 weeks.
There are several different species of wild violets that grow in Michigan and they also hybridize. This means that each year brings the possibility of some new variation.
The varieties I most commonly see are the ones in the these photos.
Violets bloom early. The above pictures were all taken in Eliza Howell in late April and early May.
These are the flowers I am eagerly anticipating when I look at the emerging plants!
Eliza Howell Nature Walks 