FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Bog white violet

By LYNN ARTZ, DAVID RODDENBERRY, and SANDY TEDDER

Bog white violet (Viola lanceolata) is a dainty white violet that blooms in wetlands in winter. A small solitary white flower tops a delicate green to reddish-purple stalk. The lowest petal has dark reddish-purple lines that function as nectar guides for pollinating bees. The throats of the 5 petals are tinged greenish yellow. The distinctive long, narrow leaves at the base of the plant explain another common name: lanceleaf violet. This perennial occurs naturally in bogs, along pond and marsh edges, and in other sandy, acidic wetlands. They spread through rhizomes to form colonies. The mildly fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies. Birds and small mammals eat the seeds. A few bog white violets were added to the moist meadow at Sopchoppy Depot Park last year. A first bloom has appeared.