Viola, it's Spring

In the shady woodland native plant world, nothing says Spring quite like two of my favorites: the Western Trillium and the wild violets. Sounds kind of like a new-age band name doesn't it! This year, we have seen these beauties in several natural areas here locally, so I thought I would do a short post to mark the moment!

The Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum) is also personally notable because it was the first post we did last year in kicking off this journal. You can read that post here.

Here's a couple of trillium photos taken this season (3/15/2014):

In the lower natural area at Jenkins Estate.

A newly blooming cluster at Jenkins Estate.

Violets are members of a huge family of plants that grow mostly in the temperate climates of the world. The genus, Viola, has an estimated 500 plus species! Several of these are native to the Northwest and you have probably seen them if you hike in the forest during Spring. Note that the "African Violets" sold in stores for indoor use are not really violets at all. They belong to a completely different family of warm climate plants.

The native Stream Violet (Viola glabella) is bright yellow and has a small 1/2 to 3/4 inch flower. It also has the telltale heart-shaped leaves that most Violas have. These plants do in fact grow near shady forest streams in the western valleys.

According to the American Violet Society, the flowers and leaves, in fresh or dried form, can be used in a host of culinary ways! Visit their website for more information.

Stream Violet in the lower natural area at Jenkins Estate

Unidentified violet under the Douglas Firs at Jenkins Estate