Viola dougasii – “Golden Violet”

Also Known As: Douglas’ Violet, Douglas’ Yellow Violet
Family: Violet (Violaceae)
Bloom period: Feb-May
Form: Annual herb
Habitat: Gravelly soils; at the “Pebble Plains”
Leaves: Cordate; basal
Translation: “Viola” is the Latin word for the violet plant; “douglasii” is named for David Douglas (1798-1834), a Scotch botanist.
Notes: Like all violets, the flowers are edible and contain Vitamin C.
Animal Associations: Host plant for Coronis Fritillary butterfly, Callippe Fritillary butterfly, Mormon Fritillary butterfly, Variegated Fritillary butterfly, and Egleis Fritillary butterfly.