| Viola nuttallii | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Violaceae |
| Genus: | Viola |
| Species: | V. nuttallii |
| Binomial name | |
| Viola nuttallii | |
Viola nuttallii (Nuttall's violet or yellow prairie violet [1] ) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the violet family ( Violaceae ), and is one of the few violet species with lanceolate leaves. It is native to the western Canada and the north-central and western United States, [2] appearing in upper steppe lands, forests, and alpine ridges. [3]
The genus name Viola means violet in Latin. For Nuttall's violet the only purple coloring is the nectar guides in the throat of the flower. [4] The species name is given in honor of noted botanist Thomas Nuttall. [2]
The plant is highly variable, usually with bright yellow petals. The veined, elliptical leaves are 2.5–10 centimeters (1–4 in) long. [3]
The species serves as a larval host for the Coronis fritillary butterfly. [2]
The leaves and flowers of the plant are edible as well as high in vitamins A and C. However, the rhizomes, fruits, and seeds are high in saponins and should not be eaten. [5]
