Refers to any flower of the genus Viola, especially the Fuji dawn violet (Viola mandshurica). Commonly written in kana.
In spring, violets bloom in the garden.
The flower language of violets is 'faithfulness'.
Viola verecunda (species of violet)
Viola sieboldii (species of violet)
Viola eizanensis; Eizan violet
Viola vaginata; a species of violet
Katakana spelling is common for plant names; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Kanji form is rare and not in common use; learners will almost always encounter the kana spelling.
The word すみれ is of native Japanese origin. The kanji 菫 is a Chinese character used for its meaning, but the etymology of the Japanese word itself is uncertain.