Early Blue Violet / Viola adunca

I finally got out for a walk yesterday, after three days of being on the verge of falling asleep. I really do not like being on a muscle relaxant, to help the inflammation of the rotator cuffs in both shoulders! Even though I've decided to take only half the dose prescribed, it's still making me feel drowsy and lethargic, which is not good when it comes to getting out. The drive yesterday was only short, as was the walk, but it felt good to get out.

The walk yesterday was along the Bow River near the Pine Creek Water Treatment Plant. The narrow strip along the edge of the path closest to the river had a number of native wildflowers, including this tiny Early Blue Violet, but unfortunately the side furthest away from the river was full of weeds. There was just enough breeze to make it difficult to get a really sharp photograph of this little Violet.

"These fragrant, bluish-purple flowers are up to 2 cm across. "Medicinally, early blue violet was used as a poultice for bruises, and a violet syrup was made to relieve epilepsy, inflamed eyes, insomnia, jaundice, and sore throats. In modern times, violets have been used to colour and flavour medicines."

www.naturewatch.ca/english/plantwatch/species_details.htm...