Question: Is this Viola sagitatta or V. fimbriatula? Its downy and I'm confused if these are two distinct species (as listed …
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Question
Is this Viola sagitatta or V. fimbriatula? Its downy and I'm confused if these are two distinct species (as listed in Newcomb's Guide) or variations of the same. I found it in dry woods in Yorktown, NY. It was blooming in early May.
Answer
Dear missyfabel, this plant is Viola sagittata var. ovata (synonym: Viola fimbriatula). The short petioles (relative to the leaf blade length), abundant hairs on the leaf blades, and toothed leaf bases (rather than small lobes) all point to this variety.
