It is found in the wild only in the districts of Paderborn, Hoexter and Hochsauerlandkreis, although it is cultivated in other locations.

These are industrial areas where much of the soil is contaminated with lead, zinc and other metals, which some Viola species are more able to tolerate than some other plants.

westfalica is in many ways similar to the yellow-flowered V. calaminaria, and was long treated as a variety of that species.

Recent studies, however, suggest that it should be treated as a separate species.

Flowers are blue-violet with darker blue streaks toward the center, with prominent yellow anthers.