Flower Spotlights: Wild Violets

Violets: we see them in our yards, in fields, anywhere we go in spring there's some sort of violet. How many different indigenous species are there in the state of Ohio? That is up for much debate. Give or take, there are at least 30 different indigenous types, if we included the hybrids, the non-native introduced, the others in the Violaceae family, we're looking at closer to 135! 
Ones that I've found you can see below.

Common Blue Violet

Sweet White Violet

Smooth Yellow Violet

Longspur Violet

The common blue violet can be found all over in fields, lawns, woodlands, and when foraging in your backyard this flower can be used to liven up salads!
That's right, another yummy flower that you can eat right from your yard (reminder: only if you don't spray noxious chemicals on your lawn! Otherwise you could become very, very sick.). 
Gather the flowerheads -I recommend the blue violets because they're so plentiful-, just about a handful, wash gently, toss in any salad. This adds a light peppery taste and a whole lot of color! Or use as a garnish on the side. This'll liven up any plate!