Sweet violet

(Viola odorata) is a species of the genus Viola native to Europe and Asia, but has also been introduced in North America. It is also called the Garden Violet.

Viola odorata is quite similar to other species of violet, but can be distinguished by the following characteristics:
 * the flowers have a sweet scent,
 * the flowers are normally either dark violet or white,
 * the leaves and flowers are all in a basal rosette,
 * the style is hooked (and does not end with a rounded appendage),
 * the leaf-stalks have hairs which point downwards, and
 * the plant spreads with stolons (above-ground shoots).

The Sweet Violet can be found near the edges of forests or in clearings; it is also a common "uninvited guest" in shaded lawns or elsewhere in gardens. The flowers appear as early as February and last until the end of April.

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