Have you noticed some heart-shaped leaves popping up around your lawn? Or perhaps a soft flush of purple under your shrubs? If you are lucky, it’s the common Blue Violet and violets are nature’s way of sending you a little love.
Some flowers can be toxic, so always exercise utmost care in identifying a plant species before eating. Many scanning apps are inaccurate so verify in other methods to ensure accuracy and safety!
Violets (Violaceae) can come in many colors but the purple and variety is what grows at Good Chicken Gardens. They are known as the Common Blue Violet and have the characteristic heart-shaped blooms and blue flowers. There are potential look-alikes in some locations but the distinctive blue flower makes it easy to identify this patch.
Why violets?
The leaves have a very mild flavor compared to other wild greens and are an excellent addition to any mixed-green salad. The blooms have a delicate floral taste and provide a pop of color to elevate any dish whether it’s an appetizer or dessert.
In addition to being edible, violets are also a host plant for certain species of moths and butterflies. Violets also provide a crucial early source of nectar when the bees are first waking up in the spring!
