OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia

Violets have five soft petals that look like tiny butterfly wings. They come in many colors, and some have pretty patterns on their petals. Violets are the state flower of Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, so lots of people really love them!

• Some violets have a very special trick with their smell.
• When you sniff a violet, a chemical in the flower turns off your nose for just a moment, so the smell seems to disappear and then come back again!
• Some types of violets are even safe for people to eat, and bakers use them to decorate fancy cakes and desserts.
• In the old days, people used violets to make purple dye!