Gray-leaved violet Gray-leaved violet

Viola purpurea Kellogg var. grisea, Jepson, Fl. Calif. 2: 521. 1936; V. pinetorum Greene subsp. grisea (Jepson) R. J. Little

Plants 3–7(–9) cm, usually cespitose. Stems canescent to gray-tomentose. Leaves: basal: petiole 2.3–5.5(–7.5) cm; blade usually not purple-tinted abaxially, usually linear to narrowly lanceolate, sometimes oblanceolate or obovate, 1.7–4 × 0.3–1 cm, margins irregularly serrate or lacerate, surfaces canescent, sometimes appearing gray-tomentose; cauline similar to basal except: petiole 0.9–4.4 cm, canescent; blade 1.5–4 × 0.3–0.5(–0.9) cm. Peduncles 2.9–6(–7) cm. Flowers: lowest petal 5–9 mm.

Flowering Jun–Jul. Montane slopes and peaks, often in moist, eroding soil, alpine zones; 2000–3100 m; Calif.