Violet Is The Official State Flower Of New Jersey. New Jersey originally adopted violet as the state flower in 1913. But the resolution’s power ended when the 1914 legislative session began. It wasn’t until 1971, at the urging of New Jersey garden clubs, that legislation was finally passed to specify the common meadow violet as the official National Flower Of New Jersey. Violets grow in an abundance across Rhode Island, making them a clear choice for the state flower. The most recognizable and widespread of the native Violets in New Jersey is the Dooryard Violet. Dooryard Violet is easy to grow anywhere, in full sunlight or in shade.
Most of the 400 to 500 species of New Jersey State Flower Violets found around the world prefer moist, shaded areas, often growing beneath hedges where they are protected. The Dooryard Violet is one of the more interesting Violets as it does something quite unusual in the world of plants. National Flower Of New Jersey produces two different types of flowers at two different times of the year. In spring these Violets produce the large recognizable flowers you always see in photos and wildflower guidebooks.
After these have bloomed, the New Jersey State Flower Violet produces small, closed flowers that look more like buds, closer to the ground on shorter stems. The long flowering season adds to Violet’s popularity. State Flower Of New Jersey flowers can be seen throughout New Jersey almost all spring and summer long.
Identification of the Native Violet:
Family: Violet (Violaceae)
Habitat: woods, meadows, waste areas
Height: 3-8 inches
Flower size: 3/4 to 1 inch wide
Flower color: blue-purple, occasionally white or bicolor
Flowering time: April to June
Origin: native
Facts About Purple Violets:
- In Purple violet flowers, the blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring.
- During the summer, Purple Violet flowers produce seeds, which are flung outward by mechanical ejection from the three-parted seed capsules.
- Young leaves of Purple Violets are edible and can be added to salads in small amounts.