Examples of purple animals include Costa’s Hummingbird, Crowned Woodnymph, Glutinous Snail, and Indian Purple Frog.
Purple animals are a rarity in nature, so it is no surprise that they have been given their own classification.
The purple animal kingdom includes the Indigo Snake, Purple Frogs, and Purple Sea Urchins.
Purple Animals are one of the coolest animals in the world!
The color purple is also known as violet, lavender, or amethyst.
Purple is often associated with royalty because it was worn exclusively by Roman emperors during their reigns.
Examples of Animals that are Purple
Examples of Animals that are Purple
Scientific NameCalypte costaeType of AnimalBirdRangein tropical forestsDietOmnivore
The Costa’s Hummingbird is a beautiful purple hummingbird that can be found in North America.
These birds are very small, and they have a long beak that helps them pollinate flowers.
Scientific NameThalurania colombicaType of AnimalBirdRange Belize and Guatemala to northern PeruDietOmnivore
Crowned Woodnymphs are some of the most common Purple Animals.
They can be found in many different parts of the world, and they are known for their beautiful purple feathers.
Scientific NameMyxas glutinosaType of AnimalGastropodsRange South East Asia DietHerbivore
This purple animal can grow to be quite large, with some snails reaching up to seven inches.
The glutinous snail gets its name from how it produces a thick substance that is similar to glue, which it uses for many things.
4. Indian Purple Frog
4. Indian Purple Frog
Scientific NameNasikabatrachus sahyadrensisType of AnimalReptileRangethe Western Ghats of IndiaDietCarnivore
The Indian Purple Frog is a small species of frog that lives in and around the Western Ghats region of India.
They are purple or maroon colored with white spots on their bellies.
Their skin secretes toxins that help them protect themselves from predators such as snakes.
Scientific NameDrymarchon couperiType of AnimalReptileRangePeninsular Florida and southeastern GeorgiaDietCarnivore
The Indigo Snake is a species of snake that lives in the Southeast United States.
It gets its name from the bluish-purple hue of its scales and secretes venomous saliva to help it hunt down small animals such as rodents, birds, and other snakes.
Even though they are large predators who eat most things they can get their mouths on, Indigo Snakes are actually quite docile and rarely bite humans.
Scientific NameCerambycidaeType of AnimalInsectRangeChina, Japan, Korea, and the Isle of HainanDietHerbivore
It has a distinctive antenna and it’s known for its hard body and long legs.
They live in forests, fields, and meadows, where they eat decaying matter such as leaves on the ground!
7. Purple Sea Anemone
7. Purple Sea Anemone
Scientific NameHeteractis crispaType of AnimalSea Anemone RangeIslands in the Pacific OceanDietCarnivore
The Purple Sea Anemone is a type of sea anemone that can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
They are usually purple or pink in color, and they can grow up to 12 inches wide.
Scientific NamePseudochromis fridmaniType of AnimalFishRangethe Red SeaDietCarnivore
The Orchid Dottyback is a fish that lives in the Western Pacific region.
It can be purple, blue, or green depending on its mood.
They are only about four inches long and they have small spikes all over their body to protect them from predators such as sharks.
9. Purple Emperor Butterfly
9. Purple Emperor Butterfly
Scientific NameSasakia charondaType of AnimalInsectRangesouthern EnglandDietOmnivore
The Purple Emperor Butterfly is a large butterfly found in Europe and Asia.
The males are bright purple with black markings on their wings, while the females are brown with pale markings.
They feed on nectar from flowers and can be seen flitting around meadows and gardens during the summer months.
Purple Grenadier
Purple Grenadier
Scientific NameUraeginthus ianthinogasterType of AnimalBirdRangeEthiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and UgandaDietOmnivore
The Purple Grenadier bird is a beautiful creature that can be found in the rainforest.
They are a type of parrot and they have bright purple feathers.
These birds are usually around 12 inches long and they love to eat fruit.
Purple Martin
Purple Martin
Scientific NameProgne subisType of AnimalBirdRangeNorth AmericaDietCarnivore
The Purple Martin is a small, colorful bird that lives in human-made nest boxes.
There are even some species living on islands like Puerto Rico.
Purple Starfish
Purple Starfish
Scientific NamePisaster ochraceusType of AnimalStarfish Rangethe Pacific NorthwestDietCarnivore
Starfish are some of the most beautiful animals in the world.
Their purple color is stunning, and they always attract attention when they are around.
Some starfish can grow to be over a foot wide, while others are only a few inches in size.
Scientific NameFlabellina iodineaType of AnimalGastropodaRangethe West CoastDietCarnivore
The Spanish shawl, a sea slug, is vibrant with both violet and orange to decorate its body.
While the orange gills help them to camouflage while eating prey, the brightness of their entire body tells predators to stay away.
Scientific NameCinnyricinclus leucogasterType of AnimalBirdRangesub-Saharan AfricaDietOmnivore
The Violet-Backed Starling is a beautiful bird that is found in Africa.
It has a purple back, and it is known for its amazing singing voice.
Violet-Crowned Woodnymph
Violet-Crowned Woodnymph
Scientific NameThalurania colombicaType of AnimalBirdRangeColombia, Belize, Guatemala, and northern PeruDietCarnivore
The Violet-Crowned Woodnymph is a small bird that lives in the jungles of South America.
These birds are mostly green, but they have beautiful purple feathers around their necks and crowns.
Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal.
Learn how to identify and forage for wild violets, plus how to harvest, preserve, and use them.
Often considered a backyard weed, violets provide value to native butterflies, bees, and wildlife, and they offer food and herbal benefits for humans too!
A comprehensive guide to foraging and using wild violets.
Includes lookalikes and lots of photos!
Foraging wild violets is an easy and fun springtime activity!
Here’s how to make sure you have the right plant.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our violet recipes below to give some starting ideas of how to use your harvest.
Related Article: How to Grow Your Own Sweet Violets from Seed
Table of ContentsIdentifying VioletsFlowersA note about yellow violets: LeavesViolet LookalikesViolet Lookalike 1: Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)Violet Lookalike 2: Kidneyleaf Buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus)Violet Lookalike 3 – Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)Violet Lookalike 4: Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)Foraging & Harvesting VioletsThreatened & Endangered VioletsWhere to LookWhen to LookHow to HarvestWhich Parts of the Violet Are EdibleHow to Freeze Violet FlowersHow to Dry Violet Leaves & FlowersUses & Recipes for Violet Flowers and LeavesViolet Flower JellyViolet Leaf Field PoulticeViolet Flower VinegarLip BalmSalves, Soaps & More Uses!Even More Ideas: References & Further Reading
Wild violets belong to the family Violaceae, the same family in which you can find garden pansies and violas.
(See our related article about growing pansies and violas from seed for more about those plants.)
There are about 78 species of wild violets found in North America, plus even more hybrids – see the Flora of North America website for more details.
Since they’re common backyard plants (or weeds, depending on who you ask!) it’s quite possible that you may also run across common violets (Viola sororia) or sweet violets (Viola odorata) growing right around your own home.
Back, side, and front view of violet flowers.
The most distinguishing feature of common and wild violets are the pretty, edible flowers.
Most of the time the blooms are purple, but there are also yellow and white variations, or white and purple variations, such as confederate violets.
A note about yellow violets:
Many foragers and herbalists avoid eating or using yellow violets, because they may contain a higher amounts of natural plant compounds (saponins) that makes them taste bitter, and which can upset your stomach.
Others say they’re okay to use, but do a taste test first; if a violet flower tastes unpleasantly bitter, don’t use them.
Personally, if I had yellow violets growing where I live, I’d definitely try them out externally, but would be cautious about using internally.
Violet flowers are commonly purple, but can also be white or have white/purple markings on them.
(White violets with purple on them are often called Confederate Violets.) Some areas of the United States also have native yellow violets.
Violets have heart shaped leaves.
The leaves grow in a low basal rosette; they don’t get very tall at all.
Here’s a photo of the front of a violet leaf:
Front view of a common violet leaf.
And the back view of a violet leaf:
Back view of a common violet plant.
Violet Lookalikes
While the flowers are used as key identifiers, the heart-shaped leaves can resemble other plants, some toxic.
So if you’re a beginner forager and aren’t 100% certain you’re dealing with a violet plant, then you should only harvest violets when they are in bloom.
(You can also grow your own violets from seed or buy plants, and that way you can be certain you’re dealing with the correct plant.)
Here are a couple of plants that could resemble violet leaves when you’re out foraging in early spring.
Lesser Celandine’s leaves can resemble violet leaves if you’re new to foraging them.
Violet Lookalike 1: Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)
Lesser celandine, also known as fig buttercup, is a low growing plant whose leaves closely resemble violet.
The flower is much different though.
Lesser celandine’s blooms are yellow with 8 to 12 petals.
Not only is it toxic to humans in most stages, it’s considered a weedy and invasive plant, originally from Europe, parts of Northern Africa, and Asia.
The real problem is that it forms thick plant mats that choke out our lovely native spring ephemeral flowers, such as bloodroot, trillium, trout lily, Virginia bluebells, and more.
In the photo above, kidneyleaf buttercup is growing RIGHT BESIDE violet leaves and could be confused for one another.
This is why it’s important to inspect where you’re picking, and forage mindfully.
Violet Lookalike 2: Kidneyleaf Buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus)
Also called little leaf buttercup, this plant is native to all of the lower 48 states + Alaska.
Its basal leaves look a lot like violet, and you might find them growing side by side, as in the photo example above.
Once it blooms, you can clearly see the tiny yellow flowers looks nothing like violets, but it’s good to be aware of its possible nearby existence when foraging.
Garlic Mustard leaves can sometimes be confused for wild violet leaves in early spring.
They have a scent that reminds you of the garlic/onion/allium family, crinklier looking leaves, and a distinctive rounded dip where the leaf meet the leaf stem.
Violet Lookalike 3 – Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) grows in rosettes of green and could possibly be confused for wild violets before they bloom.
The difference is that garlic mustard leaves are more crinkly looking, when crushed or torn they smell kind of garlicky (though personally I don’t think they smell like the pleasant kind of garlic!) and they have a distinctive rounded “dipped-in shape” where the leaf meets its stem.
A closer view of garlic mustard leaves.
While garlic mustard is edible, it’s also an aggressive grower and invasive plant in North America.
It’s a huge threat to biodiversity and native plants in general.
If you spot a cluster of garlic mustard and it hasn’t gone to seed yet, pull it out by the roots and ideally, throw it in the trash, or at the very least, shake the dirt from the roots and lay the plant somewhere so the roots will dry out and die.
(If it has already seeded, it’s best to leave alone or you’ll accidentally spread the seed even further.) Never plant or grow garlic mustard on purpose, and never compost the plants.
Golden ragwort (golden groundsel) has basal leaves that could possibly be confused with violet leaves.
Violet Lookalike 4: Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)
Golden ragwort (Packera aurea), also called Golden Groundsel, is a perennial native plant that attracts native bees, bugs, and butterflies.
It’s a good plant to have around, however, the leaves have some toxins in them, so you definitely don’t want to confuse it with violet leaves!
It has yellow flowers that are daisy-like and look nothing at all like a violet flower, so once it blooms, you’ll be able to easily tell them apart.
Common blue violet growing in the shade of azalea bushes.
Foraging & Harvesting Violets
Now that you know what to look for, use these tips to help you find violets growing around you!
The usual foraging basics apply to violets too: Only collect from areas you have permission to access, don’t harvest from areas right next to roads, or ones that have been sprays with herbicide or pesticides, or places that are frequently used as an animal bathroom spot.
For every flower or leaf you collect from a plant, leave most of the rest behind.
Threatened & Endangered Violets
The USDA maintains a list of protected violets that are threatened or endangered.
Be sure to check this list and make sure your violets aren’t on there, so you know not to pick or use them.
Northern Bog Violet (Viola nephrophylla Greene)
Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens Aiton)
Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda Willd.
New England Blue Violet (Viola novae-angliae House)
Striped Cream Violet (Viola striata Aiton)
This strawberry bed was neglected for a few years and turned into a wild violet patch!
If you live in a older neighborhood, or know someone who does, you might just find common blue violet or sweet violets growing at the edges of lawns, in empty garden beds, or around house foundations.
Violets also grow out in the wild, around streams and creek banks, and in woodland or field edge areas.
However, some wild populations are very limited, so you want to 100% identify those types of violets and ensure that they’re plentiful and not a threatened species before picking.
Violets bloom in cooler weather – usually very late winter to early spring.
Here in zone 7a, we see the first violet flowers in early March.
A few random flowers will also appear in fall, when the weather turns cooler, but this can’t be counted on from year to year.
Fuzzy D the cat, enjoying the cool and shady violet patch!
Violet flowers are easy to collect, just a little time consuming!
Pick each flower one by one from plants that aren’t covered with dirt or sandy soil.
Collect in jar or container that can easily fit in the fridge, in case you can’t process your violets right when you get home.
Which Parts of the Violet Are Edible
Both violet leaves and flowers are edible.
Young leaves are best, while they’re nice and tender.
Violet flowers are good as long as they aren’t browned or wilted.
Most people don’t eat violet stems because they’re tougher.
You should not eat the roots of violets; they will make you sick to your stomach and should be avoided.
A cup of freshly picked violet flowers.
How to Freeze Violet Flowers
Freezing is my favorite way to preserve an abundance of fresh violet flowers.
You can use the frozen violets in the year to later make jelly or soap.
(Note that freezing and thawing brings out a lot of moisture content, so frozen violets aren’t suitable for infusing in oil.)
To freeze, you can spread the violet flowers on a parchment lined baking sheet and allow them to freeze completely.
My favorite (i.e. lazy) method is to just fill a freezer bag partly with fresh violet flowers, then turn the bag on its side and shake/spread the contents into one flat layer.
Frozen violets will keep for several months, or as long as they don’t lose their color and/or develop freezer burn.
violets and dandelions, being arranged on a paper towel to dry
How to Dry Violet Leaves & Flowers
To dry violet leaves or flowers, spread them out in a single layer over a drying screen, clean dishcloth, or paper towels.
Allow them to air dry, turning the leaves over every day or two.
Depending on your climate and room temperature, the violet leaves should be dried within 4 or 5 days, and the flowers will likely dry even quicker.
If you live in a very humid climate, you may need to use a dehydrator.
To dry violet leaves in a dehydrator, spread them out on dehydrator screens and dry at 90 to 95 degrees F for about 4 or 5 hours.
Crumble a dried piece between your fingers to make sure it’s completely dry.
Store your dried violet leaves and/or flowers in brown paper bags, or in a jar out of direct sunlight.
They should stay fresh for about 9 to 12 months, or as long as they still contain some color.
Common and sweet violets can be used for food and herbal purposes!
Uses & Recipes for Violet Flowers and Leaves
Violet flowers are edible and safe to eat!
(This is also true for pansy and viola flowers which can be used for food purposes.
Remember though that African Violet is not the same thing and is not edible.)
The pretty purple blossoms of violets can be used to make beautifully colored jellies, syrups, and vinegar.
The leaves are used in herbal medicine; they contain soothing components and mucilage which helps calm and cool inflamed conditions such as eczema, chapped lips, sore throats, and mild coughs.
Don’t eat the roots as they’re an emetic.
(Something that makes you vomit; you will feel very sick if you eat violet roots!) This is a good place to note that eating too many violet flowers can have a laxative effect, so enjoy violet containing foods in moderation!
Violet flower jelly turns out a stunning color and tastes delightful!
Violet Flower Jelly
To make this beautiful and tasty jelly recipe, you’ll need:
2 cups fresh violet flowers
The finished violet jelly is one of our favorites!
You can find the full recipe and directions to make violet flower jelly, right here on our Unruly Gardening site.
Violet Leaf Field Poultice
One of my favorite uses for violet leaves is a simple field poultice.
If you’re out and about enjoying a beautiful spring day, and then happen to get stung by a bee, or get a splinter or thorn in your finger, violet leaves can help you out!
Just pick a few leaves and mash them with your fingers (or chew them up a little with your teeth), then place the resulting leaf mash over your sting, splinter, or thorn.
Violet leaves have soothing, cooling, mucilaginous properties that will help the inflamed area feel better.
Violet Infused Vinegar – recipe found at The Nerdy Farm Wife website.
Violet Flower Vinegar
This is truly one of the most beautiful vinegars you can make, plus it’s actually useful!
Find out how to make it and use it in my article, Five Uses for Violet Vinegar, over at the Nerdy Farm Wife site.
This lip balm recipe features violet leaves, chickweed, and purple dead nettle.
If you’d like, you could omit the chickweed and purple dead nettle, and use all violet leaves instead.
Violet leaves make a great addition to lip balm.
Here’s our recipe that incorporates several spring green herbs (violet leaf, chickweed, and purple dead nettle) to create an extra soothing lip balm.
You could also just use all violet leaves to make this recipe!
Spring Greens Lip Balm Recipe
Check out my website, The Nerdy Farm Wife, for more ideas for using violets, plus a printable reference guide.
For even more ways to use violets, plus a free printable violet reference sheet, be sure to check out this article I wrote at The Nerdy Farm Wife website:
10+ Things to Make with Violets
Violet Flowers are also featured in my daughter’s Spring Cleaning Face Wash tea that she created as a teenager for clearer skin.
Making Plant Medicine.
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Threatened & Endangered Plants Database.
Our articles are for information and idea-sharing only.
Be sure to seek out local foraging classes and plant walks, and invest in foraging guides suitable for the area you live in, since some wild foods may have adverse effect.