Plants erect, usually appearing small and tufted, 1.8–4.5(–6.5) cm. Basal leaves: blade ovate to ovate-orbiculate, 0.5–1.7 × 0.4–1.4 cm, base subcordate, truncate, or attenuate, apex usually obtuse, surfaces usually glabrous. Cauline leaves: petiole 0.5–3.8 cm; blade 0.6–1.5 × 0.4–1.4 cm. Peduncles 1.7–5 cm, bracteoles usually opposite. Flowers: sepal margins usually eciliate; lowest petal 7–13(–14) mm; style head sparsely bearded. Seeds 1.5 mm. 2n = 20.

Phenology: Flowering May–Jul.
Habitat: Alpine areas, wet meadows, lake margins
Elevation: 2500–3800 m

Distribution

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• Legacy Map

B.C., Colo., Mont., Wyo.

Discussion

Variety bellidifolia is found in the Rocky Mountains. Although forms transitional with var. adunca occur, the diminutive var. bellidifolia is quite distinct. V. B. Baird (1942) reported that Viola bellidifolia occurs in the Siskiyou Mountains of California; we have seen no supporting specimens.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.