Photographs: Mizen Head, Co. Cork

Pale Dog-violet Viola lactea Sailchuach liath Family: Violaceae Flowering time: May-June. Perennial. Native. The pale violet to pale greyish-pink flowers have greenish-white spurs and the leaves are narrowly lanceolate with rounded or wedge-shaped bases. Height to 20 cm. Identification confirmed by Paul Green A scarce and protected species mainly found in the west and south-west of Ireland on dry, well-drained heaths, open grassland and beside tracks Occasionally hybridises with Heath Dog-violet, Viola canina

Pale Dog-violet, Viola lactea, Sailchuach liath