Reverse Information: COMMON BLUE VIOLET (Viola papilionacea)) - Uses: The leaves and petals are very pretty and tasty eaten raw in salads. The raw leaves taste rather buttery. The leaves also make an excellent thickener for soups as they are mucilaginous, like okra. Or cook the leaves and add a little butter as a fine green side-dish. Petals may be used in candies and jellies. Flowers: March-June. Habitat: Widely varied.