Description

Hardy, rhizomatous perennial with deep green, roughly heart-shaped leaves appearing in late winter. Fragrant flowers are either deep violet or white and appear in early spring. They are very important to the perfume industry in southern France where they are also harvested for making flavourings and toiletries. The flowers are also edible and can be added to salads, crystallized for decorating cakes, preserved as a jelly, or added to vinegar.