Tiny Wood Violets, Viola sp., aka Dog Violet, in springtime.
These are a delight to find in deciduous woodlands and under hedgerows, but can very easily be overlooked. They generally flower in Scotland from mid-April to early June. Their flowers can be foodplants for fritillary butterflies, and they often lay their eggs on them.
WELCOME, maids of honour!
You do bring
In the spring,
And wait upon her.She has virgins many,
Fresh and fair;
Yet you are
More sweet than any.You’re the maiden posies,
And so graced
To be placed
‘Fore damask roses.Yet, though thus respected,
Robert Herrick, “To Violets”
By-and-by
Ye do lie,
Poor girls, neglected.
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