Western heart’s ease (Viola ocellata), also known as pinto violet or two-eyed violet, is a species of native violet that can be found throughout the Bay Area. In Victorian England, violets were a symbol of everlasting love. These adorable plants sport flowers with five white and purple petals, as well as heart-shaped leaves. Fun fact, western heart’s ease is tolerant of high levels of heavy metals, and can be found growing in harsh serpentine soils. It has even been found growing at the edges of mercury mines!
Blooming period: April to June
Habitat: Find these flowers growing in shade and part shade in redwood forests, at the edges of oak woodlands, in mixed evergreen forests and in serpentine soils.
Where to find:
Keep an eye out for western heart’s ease in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.
