The Cry Violet

The Cry violet is an example of a narrowly restricted wildflower lost in relatively recent times. It was a rare violet known from a very restricted area of France, associated with limestone habitats.

With an extremely narrow range, the Cry violet was highly vulnerable to habitat change, and it became extinct in the early 20th century. Its story illustrates how a species confined to a tiny area can be lost when its habitat is disturbed.

This is the story of a rare wildflower lost to habitat change.

The Cry violet's legacy is being an example of a narrowly restricted wildflower lost to habitat change. As a rare violet of a tiny area of France that became extinct in the early 20th century, it is cited in discussions of the vulnerability of narrow-range plants.

The Cry violet influences how people understand extinction and habitat protection. Its loss is cited as an example of how species confined to tiny areas can be lost when their habitat is disturbed.

Compared with widespread wildflowers, the Cry violet had an exceptionally narrow range. Compared with other extinctions, it is cited as an example of how habitat change can eliminate a narrowly endemic plant.

A narrowly restricted violet (historically); recognized as rare (1800s); habitat change (late 1800s to early 1900s); severe decline (early 20th century); extinction (early 20th century, around 1930); a symbol of habitat loss (after extinction).

The precise timing of the Cry violet's extinction and its exact taxonomy are discussed among researchers. This article presents these points neutrally and avoids stating uncertain specifics as fact.

Not applicable. As an extinct plant species, the Cry violet did not receive awards, but it holds a place in the history of plant extinction and conservation.

The Cry violet is a recognized example of narrow-range plant extinction, referenced in conservation and botany discussions.

In 2026, the Cry violet remains an example of how narrowly endemic plants can be lost to habitat change. Its story continues to inform conservation of restricted-range species.

Did You Know: The Cry violet's entire range was extremely small. Imagine If: A wildflower found in just one tiny area disappears when that area is disturbed - that's the Cry violet. Historic Moment: The extinction of the Cry violet in the early 20th century. On This Day: Around 1930 - the Cry violet is lost.

Short Summary: The Cry violet was a rare wildflower of a tiny area of France that became extinct in the early 20th century (around 1930) as its habitat changed.

Medium Summary: The Cry violet was a rare violet known from a very restricted area of France, associated with limestone habitats. With an extremely narrow range, it was highly vulnerable to habitat change, and it became extinct in the early 20th century (commonly cited around 1930), illustrating how a species confined to a tiny area can be lost when its habitat is disturbed.

Long Summary: Historically, the Cry violet grew in a very small area of France, known from a restricted area associated with limestone, as a narrowly endemic wildflower whose entire range was extremely small. Through the 1800s it was recognized as rare, and as narrow-range plants are especially fragile, this highlighted its vulnerability. Through the late 1800s and early 1900s, its limited habitat was altered by disturbance and change, and with a tiny range leaving little margin, it declined severely and became extremely scarce. In the early 20th century, commonly cited around 1930, the Cry violet became extinct. After its extinction, it became a cited symbol of habitat-loss extinction and narrow-range vulnerability. Its precise timing and taxonomy remain discussed.