It is native to northern North America, where it has a widespread distribution across Canada and the northern United States as far south as Washington, Colorado, and New York.

[1] Kidneyleaf violet is a perennial herb growing up to 10 centimeters tall.

The flower is 1 to 1.5 centimeters long and white in color with purple lines on the lower three petals.

Near the Great Lakes it grows in swamps and wooded areas.

[1] It is listed as endangered in Connecticut,[3] as threatened in Iowa, as extirpated in Pennsylvania, and as sensitive in Washington.