vuorihävilkö

Vuorihävilkö, scientific name Viola montana, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the violet family, Violaceae. It is native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe, typically found in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and open woodlands at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 meters.

The plant is characterized by its small, ovate to reniform leaves that grow in a basal rosette. The flowers are typically solitary, borne on slender stems, and exhibit the characteristic five-petaled structure of violets. The petals are usually a shade of pale violet or bluish-violet, sometimes with darker veining. The two lower petals often have a short spur.

Vuorihävilkö blooms from late spring to early summer. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Its distribution is largely confined to the European Alps and surrounding mountain ranges. While not extensively cultivated, it is sometimes found in rock gardens or alpine collections. The species is considered part of the broader group of mountain violets and shares many characteristics with other closely related Viola species found in similar high-altitude environments. Its presence is an indicator of specific alpine ecological conditions.