Viola sororia

Common blue violet is a rhizomatous clumping annual in the Violaceae (violet) family native to eastern and central North America. It grows 6 to 10 inches in height and width, and is found in woods, thickets, and along streambeds, especially in shadier areas.  

The common blue violet prefers moist, rich soils and dappled sunlight. However, it will grow in many light conditions and tolerate wet soil, clay soil, and being planted near black walnut trees. It also freely self-seeds and may become invasive in fertile, moist locations. During hot summer months, the foliage tends to depreciate. During the summer months, it produces flower buds that never open (called cleistogamous flowers) but which develop into fruits with fertile seeds.

Nectar from the flowers attract butterflies and bees. Members of the genus Viola support specialized bees: Andrena (Gonandrena) fragilis, Andrena (Gonandrena) integra, and Andrena (Gonandrena) platyparia. Birds and small mammals use the seed fruits as a food source.

Use the blue violet as a wildflower in lawns, rock gardens, edging, and borders. This plant can also be used as a groundcover along walls and path edges as mowing can limit its spread. It is best in open woodland gardens where it can be left to spread naturally. It is deer resistant, but much loved by rabbits.. 

Quick ID

• Leaves are basal, heart-shaped, crenate, and subpeltate

• Many solitary, 2 cm flowers on slender, peltate stalks

• Acaulescent herbaceous plant with purple to white spring flowers

• Lateral petals with basal tufts of hairs

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: May have some issues with slugs, snails, aphids, red spider mite, and violet gall midge. Powdery mildew and pansy leaf spot are occasional disease problems. 

VIDEO Created by Homegrown featuring Travis Birdsell, County Extension Director and Extension Agent for Ashe County Extension