Viola beckwithii, commonly known as Great Basin violet or Beckwith’s violet, is a perennial herb native to the sagebrush steppe ecosystems and montane meadows of the Great Basin region in the western United States and the Sierra Nevadas. It is a low-growing plant with decumbent or erect stems that can reach up to 9 inches in length. The leaves are fleshy and compound, with a basal rosette formation that is typical of many violets. The flowers of Viola beckwithii are distinctive, with reddish-violet upper petals and purplish to white lower petals that have yellow or orange bases, blooming early in the season, often before the foliage is fully developed. The flowers are showy and can be a significant draw for early pollinators.

Great Basin violet is valued for its early spring flowers and its ability to thrive in challenging environments. It is often used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and restoration projects within its native range. In cultivation, it prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate dry conditions once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It requires full sun to partial shade and is relatively low maintenance. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0