One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, purple sweet violet flowers bring a subtle and sweet aroma to the garden as it wakes from slumber.  With edible and fragrant flowers as well as edible leaves, it’s easy to see the value of this humble perennial.  Shakespeare refers to the nodding violet, which is likely this same species, in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Sweet violet has been used for perfumery and cosmetics throughout the ages.

Besides being edible, the leaves are gently cooling and soothing for sore skin, sore throats, and irritated mucus membranes.