There are between 400 and 500 species of violets. These flowers bloom in spring and early Summer. Most violets species are perennial, which means they come back year after year. They often have heart shaped leaves.
Did you know February's birth flower is violets? Violet flowers are edible too! You can eat the leaves and flowers plain but the leaves are more commonly used in tea. If you are going to eat one just make sure it really a violet. Violets are pollinated by various bees such as Halictid and Mason bees.
In Connecticut and along the east coast of America Blue violets are the most common because they are native to the area. Blue violets are extremely important to fritillary caterpillars because it is the only thing they are able to eat although the fritillary butterflies can eat nectar from many other flowers.