Viola arvensis

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Viola arvensis

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Violaceae
Genus: Viola
Species: V. arvensis
Binomial name
Viola arvensis
Murray

Viola arvensis is a species of the genus Viola. It is also called Field pansy. Also called Heart's Ease, possibly due to the odor of Wintergreen when the roots are crushed. This plant is native to Europe, but is found in old fields and waste ground in the eastern United States. Amongst the earliest of Violets to appear in the spring, it seems to utilize some sort of growth retardant on nearby plants, appearing to be the only plant growing in the large masses it forms. Outside these colonies, the grasses and herbs grow normally.