Macloskey's Violet Viola macloskeyi

Wild white violet is an herbaceous perennial wildflower found in forests, wetlands, along wet banks and in meadows of North America. It is a member of the violet family (Violaceae) and was named in 1895 in honor of George Macloskey, a professor of biology at what is now Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey.

The wild white violet is broadly adaptable to sites in deep shade to dappled sunlight, as long as the sites are generally moist. It will thrive on neutral, humus- or loam-rich soils.

The leaves are broadly heart-shaped. The single flowers rise on slender, hairless, green or reddish stalks that rise above the leaves. The uppermost two petals are usually angled backward. The lowest projects forwards and forms a spur at the rear. The remaining two petals that project sideways have a few hairs near their bases. Dark purple lines (nectar guides) mark the lower three petals. Birds and small mammals enjoy the fruits as a food source. Butterflies, such as the Fritillary (Boloria bellona), and moths use this plant as a larval host.

There is some taxonomic disagreement about the application of the name V. macloskey. Some botanists restrict its application to a western North American species and call our eastern species V. miniscula. Other botanists recognize both species as occurring throughout North America. 

Growing and spreading from stolons that root at the nodes, wild white violet makes an excellent ground cover. It is suitable for shade, native, butterfly, pollinator, or rain gardens.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues.

More information on Viola.