Field Pansy Viola arvensis

Field pansies are annual to perennial flowers (depending on winter temperatures) in the violet family (Violaceae). Although their origin is Europe, Western Asia and North Africa, they have been introduced and have naturalized in the United States. In the wild, they can be found growing in fields, wastelands, meadows, and rocky outcrops in dry, sandy soil. The specific epithet means “of the fields” and describes this species’ fondness for open, sunny sites.

They prefer humus-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. They are tolerant of all soil textures, but dislike highly alkaline soils. They can be grown throughout North Carolina, although they are less commonly encountered in the mountains. If blooming slows with warm summer weather, prune them back to encourage a second bloom in the fall. 

This self-seeding wildflower is easy to grow. Young leaves develop from a basal rosette. They are rounded to oval with a shallowly toothed margin. When leaves mature, they are long and narrow with round-toothed margins. Hairy veins appear on the underside of the leaf. The roots have a wintergreen scent when crushed. Field pansies have showy, two-toned, fragrant flowers that appear from April to June. 

If they are perennial in your area, plant them in naturalized areas or containers to keep them from spreading too much in a perennial garden. If they are annuals, use them in bedding, window boxes, and containers. They can be used in children’s gardens, cottage gardens or in butterfly gardens.

Insects, Diseases and Other Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to fungal leaf diseases. Watch for aphids, slugs and snails. This plant is frequently damaged by deer. It may hybridize with other viola species in your garden.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

More information on Viola.