Viola hastata
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- vy-OH-la hass-TAH-tuh
- Description
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Spearleaf Violet is native to the eastern United States. In North Carolina, it can be found in the mountains and occasionally the Piedmont. It is found in rich, open woods and ravines and prefers humus-rich acidic soils in part shade. In North Carolina, it can be found in dry-mesic oak forests and areas with acidic soils. The spear-shaped leaves are variegated and the yellow blooms occur in spring. Grow in naturalized woodland settings.
The leaves are a medium green with an attractive silvery mottling pattern. They are arrowhead or sword like in shape, wide at the bottom and tapering to a point. Its common name 'Halberd Leaved Violet, originates from its resemblance to a halberd, a sword used in ancient times. This variety of viola is one of the caulescent violets, the leaves are on the flowering stem. Its leaves make it an easy violet to identify. The variation in the leaves have been said to resemble snowflakes, no two are exactly alike.
Its spreading habit make this a good choice as a ground cover.
This plant supports Fritillary (Boloria bellona) butterfly larvae. Nectar from the flowers attract butterflies and bees. Members of the genus Viola support the following specialized miner 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. This plant is resistant to damage by deer.
No serious insect or disease issues.
- 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:
- Viola
- Species:
- hastata
- Family:
- Violaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern North America
- Distribution:
- AL , FL , GA , KY , MD , NC , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV
- 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. Butterflies and moths use this plant as a larval host. Birds and small mammals use the seed fruits as a food source. This plant is resistant to damage by deer.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Shade
- Wildlife Food Source
- Wildlife Larval Host
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Resistant to damage by deer.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- Low
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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)
- 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
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- Piedmont
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Cream/Tan
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Buff colored oval capsule with brown seeds. In North Carolina, fruits are available from May to June.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Saucer
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The 5 petaled yellow flowers are purple-tinged on the backside. They have purplish nectar lines on the lower petal and are bearded on the lateral lobes. In North Carolina, flowers are available from March to May.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Variegated
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 1-2 inches long variegated, arrow-shaped leaves in a basal pattern.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- The stem is erect, and comes from a fleshy rhizome.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Moths
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
