Viola nuttallii (Nuttall's violet or yellow prairie violet) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the violet family (Violaceae), and is one of the few violet species with lanceolate leaves. It is native to the western Canada and the north-central and western United States, appearing in upper steppe lands, forests, and alpine ridges.[1]
The genus name Viola means violet in Latin. For Nuttall's violet the only purple coloring is the nectar guides in the throat of the flower.[2] The species name is given in honor of noted botanist Thomas Nuttall.
The plant is highly variable, usually with bright yellow petals. The veined, elliptical leaves are NaNcm (-2,147,483,648inches) long.
The species serves as a larval host for the Coronis fritillary butterfly.
The leaves and flowers of the plant are edible as well as high in vitamins A and C. However, the rhizomes, fruits, and seeds are high in saponins and should not be eaten. [3]