Halberdleaf Yellow Violet, Viola hastate, has an erect stem 4-10 inches high, long-triangular leaves, arrow-shaped leaves crowded at the top of straight stems. The leaves are variegated with very striking silver markings but in drier, sunnier situations they are usually less marked or plain green. It features lemon-yellow petals. The three lower petals are veined with brownish purple. The yellow petals often slightly purplish on the back. Moist wooded slopes, often under hemlocks, not frequent.. The two lateral petals are bearded. The Spear-shaped leaves have tapering and acute tips with finely serrate edges. Flowers early April.
It grows in very shaded areas of moist woodlands, ravines and hilly districts enriched with leaves or rotten wood, and in mountain forests.