Violet ID

[Suffolkrafter]

I'm having trouble distinguishing violets.
These two flowers are from separate patches.
I reckon this first one is sweet violet, Viola odorata, on account of rounded sepals and the protuberance being same colour as the petals.

IMG 20220311 130744 — Postimages

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On the other hand, this second one may be early dog violet (Viola reichenbachiana) on account of sharper sepals, and protuberance darker than the petals.

IMG 20220311 130634 — Postimages

postimg.cc

Or am I reading too much into the differences, and they are both variations of sweet violet? I accept it may be impossible to tell from these photos.

 

[Wander]

I confess, I'm not a violet (or even wild flower) expert, but I would have had both of those as dog violets.
You say they came from different patches, but were the patches both close and in the same habitat?

 

[Suffolkrafter]

About a hundred metres apart but yes, same habitat really.

 

[Wander]

With that in mind, then, I'd say they were the same species of violet. Which, for me, is dog violet.
Again, I am no expert and happy to be corrected, but feel fairly sure about it.

 

[Mesquite]

I'd agree with Wander that they both appear to be dog violets.

It would help with identification if you can post a frontal picture as well.

 

[Suffolkrafter]

Many thanks wander and mesquite. I'll try get some more photos.
Edit: they're also both non downy, which I think may also distinguish them from sweet violet

 

[Broch]

I am not going to get involved in this discussion on the basis that the missus constantly tells me off for getting the violets wrong!

 

[Suffolkrafter]

If that's all you get told off for then you're doing something right!