Adirondack Wildflowers:  Dewdrop | False Violet | Dalibarda repens (28 July 2011)

Adirondack Wildflowers:
Dewdrop (Dalibarda repens)

Adirondack Wildflowers:  False Violet | Dewdrop (30 July 2012) Wildflowers of the Adirondacks: Dewdrop (False Violet) in bloom at the Paul Smiths VIC (30 July 2012)

This page is no longer being updated.  For an updated and expanded version of this material, see: Dewdrop (Dalibarda repens).

This widespread Adirondack wildflower produces small white flowers from early to mid-summer. A member of the rose family, this delicate, hairy plant is also known as False Violet (because of its violet-like appearance) and Robin Runaway. It grows less than 6" tall, with easily-recognized heart-shaped, scalloped leaves. The creeping stems are often shallowly buried. The flowers are about 3/8 inch side, with five rounded petals and numerous slender stamens.

Dewdrops flourish in shade and part shade in cool, moist hardwood and coniferous forests, as well as forested swamps and boggy areas. Its distribution includes Ontario east to Nova Scotia, south to North Carolina, and northwest to Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota. It is listed as endangered in Connecticut, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Rhode Island. This plant was reportedly used by the Iroquois as a blood purifier.

Adirondack Wildflowers:  False Violet | Dewdrop (22 July 2011)Wildflowers of the Adirondacks: Dewdrop (False Violet) blooming at the Paul Smiths VIC (22 July 2011)

Dewdrops are found on many of the trails at the Paul Smiths VIC, including the Barnum Brook Trail, the Heron Marsh Trail, the Boreal Life Trail, the Silviculture Trail, and the Black Pond Trail. It usually begins blooming in late June or early July and continues blooming through late August.

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Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.