This fast-growing annual grows in sun or shade on all types of wet soil, especially in disturbed areas like beaches. The flowers are yellowish-orange, spotted with dark orange or brown with a long recurved spur. Jewelweed gets its name from the flowers which dangle like a jewel on a pendant. The succulent stems of this species can be crushed and applied to poison ivy rashes for a soothing relief. From the garden pansy to wild violets, violet flowers are familiar to most people.
Most species have purple lines on the petals.
Violets are perennials that are usually dispersed by ants though they also spread vegetatively. Many native species grow in northern Wisconsin in a variety of conditions. They often bloom in early spring to early summer and make a beautiful ground cover. This perennial can spread extensively making an attractive ground cover 4 to 9 inches tall. Cinnamon fern has tall sterile leaves often reaching heights of 3 to 4 feet.