Question: Dry bank in power line cut, Vineyard Haven. Acaulescent, 6 mm rhizome, fl 15mm long. Spur 3mm. Sepals ciliate? Occasional …
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Question
Dry bank in power line cut, Vineyard Haven. Acaulescent, 6 mm rhizome, fl 15mm long. Spur 3mm. Sepals ciliate? Occasional sepal with few cilia. Abaxial lf sfc & petioles somewhat pubescent. Leaf crenate. Very small Viola sororia? Thank you.
Answer
Dear Gregory, the plant in your image is Viola sagittata var. ovata. Note the elongate, narrow, and pointed sepals (those of V. sororia are wider and blunt at the apex). Also, the short petiole with a leaf blade that is truncate at the apex supports this identification. This species is common in dry open soils throughout New England. Best wishes.
