Everyone knows that they have a specific birthstone that is placed in jewelry and trinkets to signify the month they were born in. However, many people don't know that just like the stones, each month has a flower or two as well, which symbolizes birth. Here is the history and meaning behind your birth flower, the violet.

February: Violet
Alternate: Primrose

The Violet, with the botanic name of Viola, is a flowering plant with heart shaped leaves that often has a purple color to it. Violets are generally found and grown in the Northern Hemisphere of the world, but can also be found in Hawaii and the Andes.

The Violet has five petals total. One petal is on the bottom of the Violet, pointing downward, while the other four and positioned two on each side with an upward sweep to them. Different species of violets also have different shapes to their petals, which is one way scientists can tell them apart.

While Violets originated in a purple color, hence their name, they can also be found in a variety of colors including blue, yellow and white. Sometimes you will find multi-colored violets as well. Violet plants s will flower in large amounts throughout the spring and summer.

Most people believe Violets have no scent, however this is not accurate. A major component of the Violets scent is ketone which actually desensitizes the nasal receptors making it temporarily impossible to smell anything.

Fun and interesting fact: Violets are used in many countries and cultures as decorations to go on plates with food. They are also used in stuffing's for poultry and fish. You can actually eat this flower either raw or cooked, and you will often find the flavor of a Violet in a soufflé or desert. In France they still pour hot syrup on Violets and mix them up until the syrup dries and the sugar crystallizes over the Violet. These are used for decorating or as a special treat in an aromatic dessert.

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