Hairy yellow violet is a native wildflower from northeastern North America that naturally grows in rich deciduous forests, dry woods, meadows, low woods, sandy woodlands and other wooded areas. It is a member of the violet family (Violaceae). The species epithet is Latin and describes the hairiness of the leaf. Hairy yellow violet grows well in part sun to part shade in loose soil with organic matter. This violet doesn't tolerate mowing. It tolerates acidic soils and self-seeds. The alternate leaves of the hairy yellow violet are 2 to 4 inches long, with the upper surface a medium green with sparse short-pubescent. The lower leaf is light green and pubescent. The individual yellow blooms are produced from the axils of the leaves. The lowest petal will have brownish purple veins, which are a distinguishing trait for this species of violet. They often have a slight fragrance. Later on in the season, this variety of violet also produces small bud-like flowers that do not open but self-pollinate and produce seeds. This plant supports Fritillary (Boloria bellona) butterfly larvae. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Members of the genus Viola support the following specialized miner bees: Andrena ( Gonandrena ) fragilis , Andrena ( Gonandrena ) integra and Andrena ( Gonandrena ) platyparia . Use as a groundcover and in naturalized areas. It is a great companion plant for Trillium spp. in a native garden or woodland setting. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Destructive insects may feed on the plant. More information on Viola .
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) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Cordate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Crenate; Serrate
Leaf feel
Soft; Velvety
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Heart-shaped basal leaves are formed in spring which are 1.5- 2 inches long and nearly as wide. 1-2 leafy, hairy stems form which are 4-10 inches tall with alternate leaves that have hairs on the undersides and are 2-4 inches long and 2-3.5 inches wide.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Orange
Flower value
Edible; Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Cup; Lipped; Tubular
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Individual flowers are ¾" across with 5 yellow petals, and branched brownish-purple veins occurring along the lowest petal and sometimes on the 2 lateral petals. Small tufts of hair are at the base of the two lateral petals. The lowest petal has a short blunt nectar spur. In North Carolina, the flowers are available from March to May.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Green
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Egg-shaped, 1/2 inch long oval 3-angled seed capsules are light green and mature to brown. They split into 3 parts to eject their seeds. In North Carolina, the fruits are available from May to June. They will split open when ripe.
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Green stems with hairs are 4" to 10" tall.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
North America
Distribution
AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV , WY
Wildlife value
This plant supports Fritillary butterfly larvae. Nectar from the flowers attract butterflies and bees. Members of the genus Viola support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Gonandrena) fragilis, Andrena (Gonandrena) integra, and Andrena (Gonandrena) platyparia. This plant is resistant to damage by deer. Butterflies and moths use this plant as a larval host. Birds and small mammals use the seed fruits as a food source.
Attracts
Butterflies; Moths; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds; Specialized Bees