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Inflorescene solitary; flowers bilaterally symmetric; sepals 5, lance-shaped, 4-9 mm long hairy; petals 5, unequal, 8-15 mm long, white to violet, yellow at base; upper petals 2; lower petals 3, purple stripes, lateral pair bearded; stamens 5, surround ovary, filament pale green, anther green; pistils 1, ovary superior

Medical Uses: Canada violet was used in traditional medicine owing to methyl salicylate. A tea made from the roots was used in the treatment of pain in the bladder region. The roots and leaves have traditionally been used to induce vomiting, they have also been poulticed and applied to skin abrasions and boils. Ethno-botanical uses: The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw in salads, used as potherbs or thickeners, or made into tea. The flowers can be used as a garnish (fresh or candied) or as a flavoring and coloring in vinegar, jelly and syrup. Having a very mild flavor, when boiled as greens, the leaves of westerm Canada violet are best mixed with other stronger tasting leaves. However, the rhizomes, fruits and seeds are poisonous. Ingestion may cause stomach and intestinal upset. It may also cause nervousness and respiratory and cirulatory depression.

Alberta: Throughout all of Alberta CAN (BC, MB, NB, NS, NT, ON, QC, SK, YT); USA (AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY)