Viola lanceolata

Lanceleaf violet is an herbaceous perennial wildflower native to much of eastern and midwestern North America, including the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, where it is found in bogs, swamps, wet meadows, seepage slopes and other wet locations. It is a member of the violet family (Violaceae). The species epithet is a Latin descriptor of the leaf shape, meaning “lance-shaped.”

Lanceleaf violet prefers humus-rich, acidic soil with abundant and continuous moisture. It needs low to medium light levels, i.e. deep shade to dappled sunlight, and is completely  hardy in North Carolina.

This species of violet is easily distinguished from others by its long leaves, which can reach lengths of up to 6 inches. There are typically 2 to 6 leaves per plant. The upper blade is medium green and more-or-less hairless. The lower is pale green and may be sparsely haired. Individual plants can be connected by stolons which may form small colonies. The dainty white flowers bloom for around 3 weeks in late spring into early summer above a basal rosette of lance-shaped leaves. The beardless, five-petaled flowers are slightly irregular. The petals are white and pale yellow at the base. The two side petals are smooth with veins that may be barely visible, while the lower petal has many reddish-purple lines, which are nectar guides for pollinators. In the later part of the summer, inconspicuous, cleistogamous (self-fertile, non-opening) flowers are produced. Fruits are light green, ellipsoid to oblongoid capsules, which split into 3 parts, each containing small dark brown seeds.  

The lanceleaf violet is a good choice for shade, native, butterfly or pollinator gardens. It is also a good choice for a rain garden. It can be used as a groundcover or border.

Insects, Diseases and Other Problems: No serious insect or disease issues. 

More information on Viola.