The Dog Violet (viola rivinianal)

(Viola rivinianal) the dog-violet, is so named not because it's man's best friend but because unlike it's close relative the sweet violet (Viola odorata) it lacks a scent.

Found in woodland, this purple flower and it's leaves are both edible. Infact, all members of the violet family have edible leaves and flowers.

This flower is an important source of food and a host for the eggs of several rare fritillary butterflies in the UK. Including the dark green, the silver-washed and the high brown.