Family: Violaceae Genus: Viola
Species: Viola reichenbachiana Jord. ex Boreau
Common Name(s): early dog violet, wood dog violet, pale wood-violet
Viola reichenbachiana, commonly known as early dog violet, is a beautiful and unique species of violet that is native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It typically resides along road banks or among other rich vegetation. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It’s a hardy plant that is both drought-tolerant and can withstand cold temperatures and frost. The early dog violet blooms from late spring to early summer.30
Fables, Folklore, and Mythology
In parts of Europe, the plant is associated with springtime and the arrival of new life. Given that it is a symbol of purity and innocence, it is often selected for wedding bouquets.
In some cultures, violets have been associated with fairies and other supernatural beings. In folklore, violets were sometimes believed to be favored by fairies, and it was said that picking violets could anger the fairies and bring bad luck.31
Traditional Medicine
Early dog violet has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions. It has been prepared as herbal teas or syrups to treat respiratory conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats and to clear mucus from the respiratory tract (an expectorant). Containing anti-inflammatory properties, it has also been used topically to soothe skin irritations, minor wounds, and insect bites. As a diuretic it has been use to promote urine production and help with conditions such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Its antioxidant properties may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and contribute to overall health and well-being.32
Horticulture, Ornamental, and Other Colorful Uses
This flowering plant is considered one of the most ornamental violets in the world. It stands out due to its striking flowers, which come in blue, violet, or purple and feature five petals with unique yellow markings that form a distinct ‘V’ shape. These distinctive markings make the flowers particularly attractive and sought-after for ornamental and rock gardens.33
Ecology
The early dog violet flowers are pollinated by insects such as bees and butterflies, and are known to attract hummingbirds. In some regions, the plant is rare or endangered and should not be collected from the wild nor grown from wild-collected seeds.
