Yellow Prairie Violet is a low-growing native violet of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain foothills, producing bright yellow flowers with brownish-purple veining in early spring. Unlike many eastern violets, it grows in dry, open habitats and is highly drought-tolerant. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, distinguishing it from broader-leaved eastern yellow violets. Like all violets, it is a larval host plant for native fritillary butterflies.
Habitat
Found on dry prairies, rocky slopes, and open hillsides across the Great Plains and western foothills.
Diet
Host plant for fritillary butterfly caterpillars; early spring nectar source for native bees.
How common
Uncommon
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