Common Dog-violet is a spring-flowering perennial of hedges, woodland and grassland.
It is similar in appearance to Sweet Violet, but is unscented, has pointed sepals with square-shaped appendages, the flowers arise from side-shoots, and the leaves have two narrow stipules with hair-like teeth.
Another similar flower is Early Dog-violet, which flowers slightly earlier, has narrower upper petals and shorter sepal appendages.

Flower side-on, showing pointed sepals with square appendages		Leaves, showing hair-like stipule-teeth