Missouri wild violets in frozen ice cubes. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Wild Violet Ice Cubes

Spring in Missouri is a wonderful season for wild violets. There are several kinds from white to yellow, white and purple and my favorites, all purple. Viola sororia, commonly called woolly blue violet, is a common Missouri native wildflower which occurs in woods, thickets and stream banks throughout the State. You can also find them in many lawns.

According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, these are stemless, rhizomatous, low-growing perennials (3-8" tall) which feature downy, basal, wide-heart-shaped leaves and large blue-violet flowers. Each flower rests atop its own leafless stalk.

Blooms in early spring and sometimes intermittently into late summer.

Wild violets also happen to be edible. I have added them for years to salads. They add a slight citrusy taste and look wonderful on a plate.