Viola , or Violets, are delicate favorites in spring. Viola is a genus containing 500 to 600 species, not to mention various hybrids, and cultivars including pansies and Johnny-jump-ups. In horticulture the term pansy is normally used for the multi-colored, large-flowered cultivars raised annually or biennially from seed and used extensively in garden beds. The terms viola and violet are normally reserved for small-flowered annuals or perennials, including the wild species. Violets are native to cold northern areas, but grow surprisingly well in the south, with deep purplish green leaves and lavender colored flowers. In general, violets are an herbaceous, perennial flowering plant with leaves and flowers emerging on separate stems from rhizomes from March to June. it is a low growing (5 to 7 inches high), mounding, vigorously spreading plant that can make life difficult for lawn enthusiasts. The plant reproduces by seed in late summer and early fall when flowers without petals produce seeds which are thrown by mechanical ejection from three-parted seed capsules. The plant can also spread by root division from its rhizomes. The leaves and flowers grow on separate stems arising from the a basal crown on long petioles. Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: In general, there are no known diseases or insect problems common to violets.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt)
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Wet
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Cordate
Leaf margin
Entire; Serrate
Leaf feel
Smooth
Leaf value
Edible; Showy
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The leaves are symmetrical, the venation is ribbed (costate) and range in color from yellowish-green to dark green. Most have heart-shaped scalloped leaves but some have palmate leaves and other shapes. Many have no stem and the rest have short stems. Those with short stems form basal rosettes. Leaves measure 1 to 3 inches long and 1/2 to 2 inches wide. The leaves grow from the basal crown.
Flower color
Blue; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Edible; Showy
Flower form
Head; Solitary
Flower shape
Irregular; Lipped; Saucer
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
1/2 inch to 3/4 inch flowers in various colors, most are 5-petaled with 4 petals being swept upright or fan-like and one acting as a guide for pollinators. The shape of the petals vary. Most bloom in spring.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
During the summer cleistogamous flower buds that never open but that produce fertile seeds. Fruit capsules split open by way of three valves. The seeds are often transported by ants.
Stem color
Green
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
The genus is worldwide.
Distribution
Throughout
Wildlife value
This plant supports Fritillary butterfly larvae. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Members of the genus Viola support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Gonandrena) fragilis, Andrena (Gonandrena) integra, and Andrena (Gonandrena) platyparia. Caterpillars of fritillary butterflies feed on the foliage. This plant can attract small mammals and songbirds.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds; Specialized Bees
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves; Flowers
Harvest time
Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Edibility
Violet leaves are high in Vitamin C and can be used in salads or cooked. The flowers can be made into candies or jellies.
Uses (ethnobotany)
The Cherokee used the plant to treat colds and headaches. It can also be used to treat coughs, sore throats and constipation.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Meadow; Naturalized Area; Small Space; Woodland