Origin and Description
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                                                                                                                      Mike Haddock
The Prairie Violet, Viola pedatifida is of the Violet Family (Violaceae). "Pedatifida" broken down into pedatus (foot) and fidus (cleft) refers to the leaves of the Prairie Violet which are in the shape of a bird's cleft foot. The name also derives from the Latin name Viola and is sometimes referred to as Larkspur Violet. The flower's first notation in scientific writing was in 1831 by Scottish botanist named George Don. Since this violet has been brought into
the world and given a name it has been used in foods, for medicinal purposes, scents and for pure visual delight. The Prairie Violet which flowers in the spring and fall, can grow 3-8 inches tall and
the buds 1-1/2 inches wide. The leaves divide into three segments and the stem which is usually higher than the leaves generates one flower containing five petals. The flower's colors range from blue, violet, red violet to white and the leaves a dark green hue.

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