Distribution
Pansy (Viola tricolor) is one of the most beautiful wildflowers. A member of the Violaceae (violet) family, it can be found growing throughout most of Europe, preferably in the sun or semi-shade, in dry meadows, fields and along the roadside. It is a relatively small plant, with an average height of 15 to 30 centimetres.
Leaves
The lower leaves are hairless and round or heart-shaped. Further up the stem, the leaves are more oblong. The stems grow erect and are mostly branched.
Flowers
The flowers are lateral growing, and each flower “face” has five petals. What makes this plant special are its three different colours (hence the name “tricolor”) in different variations. The lower petal is often yellow, the two in the middle often white and the two upper ones often dark purple. Dark lines radiate from the centre of the blossom in an expressive pattern.
