Violet. She has a reputation for shyness. I’ve not noticed it.
Perhaps the people who assign that sort of thing are referring to her presence in woods, thickets, and along stream banks. Or they’re simply comparing her to her brighter colored cousin — Pansy.
This little patch of violets shares the sunlight with early dandelions. They are growing next to a busy street, not shy about traffic or fumes or students walking to the nearby school.
Once you have violets they will stay. They love to re-seed and to be close to others. So go ahead — start them in a little border, or as ground cover in a shady spot. They’ll treat you every spring with a happy flower and a promise of warmer weather ahead.