Viola nephrophylla, commonly known as Northern Bog Violet or Leconte Violet, is a perennial herb native to wet meadows, marshes, and open woodlands across North America, including the United States and Canada. It typically grows to a modest size, with a height and spread of 2-6 inches (5-15 cm). The plant features kidney-shaped leaves and bears small, yet showy, purple flowers in the spring. The flowers are known for their delicate appearance and are pollinated by insects, contributing to the local ecosystem.

Northern Bog Violet is valued for its ornamental purple flowers and its ability to thrive in damp, shaded environments, making it suitable for water gardens, bog gardens, and shaded garden areas. It requires consistently moist soil and can tolerate partial to full shade. While it is not commonly used in cultivation due to its conservation status, it can be a beautiful addition to native plant gardens where its needs can be met without disrupting wild populations. Gardeners should be aware of its endangered status in several states and ensure that any cultivation efforts are done responsibly and legally.CC BY-SA 4.0