Violets Viola renifolia

Kidney-leaved violet is a native wildflower of northern parts of North America and grows as far north as zone 3.   This violet grows in spruce and temperate coniferous forests in swampy wooded areas.

Boasting beardless white petals, the lower 3 petals have purple streaks.  

The common name, Kidney-leaved stems from the shape of the leaves when flowering.  After flowering is complete, the leaves will take a more heart shape and will also enlarge.  The largest leaf blades which are broader than long will enlarge from 3/4"-2" wide to 3 1/2" long and wide.  The upper leaf surface is smooth, the lower surface it typically hairy, but occasionally hairless.   

Occasionally confused with similar varieties of violas with white flowers.  With Viola macloskeyi, the most distinguishing characteristic is that it spreads by thread-like stolons or runners, Viola renifolia does not have these runners. While Viola canadensis has heart shaped leaves, the leaves of Viola renifolia has kidney-shaped foliage.  Both varieties mentioned are usually bearded, again Viola renifolia differs as it is not bearded.

It will not spread by runners or stolons to form a groundcover.  However, a light groundcover can be achieved over time by its self seeding.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  In some locations, livestock grazing and trampling this plant has led to its disappearance in those locations.  Other locations report this plant as threatened.