This macro shot of an Early Blue Violet is one of the few wildflower photos I took on 12 June 2014. I was surprised at how few wildflowers were in bloom when I drove W of Calgary, just a short way along Elbow Falls Trail (Highway 66), as far as Maclean Pond. We had a very late spring, so hopefully colourful flowers will be appearing before too long.

These fragrant, bluish-purple flowers are up to 2 cm across. "Medicinally, early blue violet was used as a poultice for bruises, and a violet syrup was made to relieve epilepsy, inflamed eyes, insomnia, jaundice, and sore throats. In modern times, violets have been used to colour and flavour medicines."

plantwatch.fanweb.ca/plant-information/early-blue-violet