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Viola is often confused with:
Achimenes Achimenes flower
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Viola pedata Viola pedata
Viola sororia Viola papilionacea
Viola striata Viola striata
Viola has some common insect problems:
Pansyworm / Variegated Fritillary
Viola has some other problems:
Cottontail Rabbit
Field Pansy

Viola

Phonetic Spelling
vy-OH-la
Description

Viola, or Violets, are delicate favorites in spring. Viola is a genus containing 500 to 600 species, not to mention various hybrids, and cultivars including pansies and Johnny-jump-ups.  In horticulture the term pansy is normally used for the multi-colored, large-flowered cultivars raised annually or biennially from seed and used extensively in garden beds. The terms viola and violet are normally reserved for small-flowered annuals or perennials, including the wild species. Violets are native to cold northern areas, but grow surprisingly well in the south, with deep purplish green leaves and lavender colored flowers.

In general, violets are an herbaceous, perennial flowering plant with leaves and flowers emerging on separate stems from rhizomes from March to June. it is a low growing (5 to 7 inches high), mounding, vigorously spreading plant that can make life difficult for lawn enthusiasts. The plant reproduces by seed in late summer and early fall when flowers without petals produce seeds which are thrown by mechanical ejection from three-parted seed capsules. The plant can also spread by root division from its rhizomes. The leaves and flowers grow on separate stems arising from the a basal crown on long petioles.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

In general, there are no known diseases or insect problems common to violets.

See this plant in the following landscapes:
Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden Reynolda Gardens Functional Foundation Landscape
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#lavender#white flowers#native perennial#nectar plant#specialized bees#NC native#spring interest#pollinator plant#larval host plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#butterfly friendly#partial shade tolerant#bee friendly#fritillary butterflies#perennial#wildflower#wildlife friendly#cpp
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#lavender#white flowers#native perennial#nectar plant#specialized bees#NC native#spring interest#pollinator plant#larval host plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#butterfly friendly#partial shade tolerant#bee friendly#fritillary butterflies#perennial#wildflower#wildlife friendly#cpp
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Viola
    Family:
    Violaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The Cherokee used the plant to treat colds and headaches. It can also be used to treat coughs, sore throats and constipation.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    The genus is worldwide.
    Distribution:
    Throughout
    Fire Risk Rating:
    low flammability
    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. Caterpillars of fritillary butterflies feed on the foliage. This plant can attract small mammals and songbirds.
    Edibility:
    Violet leaves are high in Vitamin C and can be used in salads or cooked. The flowers can be made into candies or jellies.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    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
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    During the summer cleistogamous flower buds that never open but that produce fertile seeds. Fruit capsules split open by way of three valves. The seeds are often transported by ants.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Irregular
    Lipped
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    1/2 inch to 3/4 inch flowers in various colors, most are 5-petaled with 4 petals being swept upright or fan-like and one acting as a guide for pollinators. The shape of the petals vary. Most bloom in spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are symmetrical, the venation is ribbed (costate) and range in color from yellowish-green to dark green. Most have heart-shaped scalloped leaves but some have palmate leaves and other shapes. Many have no stem and the rest have short stems. Those with short stems form basal rosettes. Leaves measure 1 to 3 inches long and 1/2 to 2 inches wide. The leaves grow from the basal crown.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Square
    Stem Form:
    Straight
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Children's Garden
    Edible Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Erosion
    Heat
    Humidity
    Poor Soil
    Problems:
    Weedy