Spring has arrived! Birds are singing, sunshine is returning (at least on some days), and temperatures are slowly becoming warmer. For people living in northeast Ohio, this season feels especially wonderful after months of long, cold winter weather. One of the greatest joys of spring is seeing flowers appear everywhere, from colorful tulips and daffodils brightening neighborhood gardens to native wildflowers covering the forest floor.

One of my favorite spring wildflowers, and honestly one of my favorite plants overall, is Viola sororia, commonly known as the common blue violet. If you enjoy gardening, you have probably encountered this little plant many times. Unfortunately, many people consider it a weed because its thick underground rhizomes hold tightly to the soil, making it difficult to remove from lawns and garden beds. It also spreads quickly and can grow in unexpected places, even through cracks in sidewalks.

Why do I have such a soft spot for this small and often overlooked flower? The first reason is that when I was around ten years old, I discovered that violets were edible. At that age, the idea of eating flowers felt incredibly exciting and fascinating. Over time, however, I have come to admire violets for many more reasons than their ability to be eaten. By the end of this article, I hope you will develop a greater appreciation for these delicate and often misunderstood wildflowers.

Diversity and Distribution

The genus Viola is among the largest groups of flowering plants, with approximately 660 different species. These plants are found throughout much of the world, and North America is considered one of the major regions where violets have diversified.

Most violets are small, herbaceous plants, but there are some fascinating exceptions. For example, several violet species native to Hawaii grow as woody shrubs. In the Andes Mountains, some unusual violets have adapted to harsh alpine environments and develop shapes that resemble succulent houseplants while still producing classic violet-like flowers. These unique plants are sometimes called rosulate violets.

In eastern North America, violets are usually small herbaceous plants with flowers that range from purple and white to yellow. Several native violet species can be found growing throughout this region.

The common blue violet (Viola sororia) is especially widespread. It often appears with traditional purple flowers, though white-flowered forms also exist. Other native species include the halberd-leaved yellow violet (Viola hastata) and the sweet white violet (Viola blanda).

Native Pollinator Favorites

In northeast Ohio, violets play an important role as valuable plants for pollinators. Their flowers attract many different creatures, including solitary bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. During early spring, when fewer flowers are available, violets provide an important source of nectar.

Violets also have a special relationship with fritillary butterflies. These butterflies depend on violet plants as a food source for their young. Similar to how monarch butterflies rely on milkweed, fritillaries lay their eggs only on violets. In addition, violets serve as host plants for the mining bee Andrena violae, a bee species that specializes in visiting violet flowers.

One violet species that deserves special attention is the long-spurred violet (Viola rostrata). Although it is not as commonly seen in Ohio as some other violet species, it grows in rich woodland habitats. Many violets produce nectar spurs, which are small tubes or cup-like structures that contain nectar. However, most violet species have short and subtle nectar spurs, while Viola rostrata has an exceptionally long one.

The Unique Relationship Between Long-Spurred Violets and Bee Flies

The primary pollinator of Viola rostrata is the greater bee fly (Bombylius major). This unusual insect looks somewhat like a bee but also has long, mosquito-like legs, making it appear quite different from typical pollinators.

The long mouthpart of the bee fly may look intimidating, but it is not a stinger. Instead, it is a proboscis, a tube-like structure used to collect nectar, similar to the feeding structure found in butterflies. This long proboscis fits perfectly into the extended nectar spur of Viola rostrata, allowing the bee fly to reach the sweet nectar hidden inside.

During field research in the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee, I once photographed a bee fly that landed directly on my arm. It repeatedly extended its tongue, possibly checking whether I was a flower or simply collecting salt from my skin. This experience showed that these fascinating insects are harmless and friendly rather than something to fear.

That same spring, I was also fortunate enough to capture an image of a bee fly pollinating Viola rostrata. These insects move incredibly quickly, making such moments rare and exciting to observe.

Appreciating Violets in the Garden

This does not mean that you should never remove a violet from your garden. However, hopefully learning more about their ecological importance will help you see them differently. These small flowers provide beauty, support native wildlife, and play an important role in local ecosystems.

The next time you see violets growing in your yard or along a woodland path, take a moment to appreciate them. These humble little flowers are far more remarkable than they first appear.