Star Violet Rubus repens
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Dalibarda repens
- Phonetic Spelling
- ROO-bus REE-penz
- Description
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False violet is a native perennial in the Roseaceae family. It is sometimes identified as the only species in the genus Dalibarda, which is closely allied with the genus Rubus. The leaves resemble violets, hence the common name. The flowers, however, are not asymmetrical like violets, rather, they have 5 radial petals like all members of the rose family. The False violet grows best in boggy areas with wet soils or in woodlands in partial to full shade. The plant tends to be low, spreading by runners with leaves and flowers on separate stalks from the runner and has a height of 2 to 5 inches. The fruit is edible, but small and dry. If fruit is desired, there are better choices in the Rubus genus. This plant is listed as endangered in North Carolina and several other states.
This plant is moderately resistant to damage from deer. It provides excellent cover year round for birds and small mammals and butterflies and other insects are attracted to the blooms. Its fruits are eaten by songbirds, small mammals, foxes, raccoons, and black bears. During the winter, birds and small mammals eat the seeds left from rotted fruit. White-tailed deer and rabbits browse the leaves.
Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:
No known diseases or other problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Rubus
- Species:
- repens
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern and Central North America
- Wildlife Value:
- Excellent cover year round for birds and small mammals. Butterflies and other insects are attracted to the blooms for its nectarwildlife plant, pollinator garden, nectar plant mid-spring, nectar plant late spring, nectar plant early summer. Fruits are eaten by songbirds and other animals. White-tailed deer and rabbits browse the leaves.
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Moderately resistent to deer.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Creeping
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- 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 Drainage:
- Occasionally Wet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
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Fruit:
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Drupe
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- A few, nearly dry, small white drupes are produced.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Description:
- Flowers bloom from April to June.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Orbicular
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Crenate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Description:
- The False violet has simple, ovate-orbiculate leaves with long petioles.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Wet Soil
