False violet is a native perennial in the Roseaceae family. It is sometimes identified as the only species in the genus Dalibarda, which is closely allied with the genus Rubus. The leaves resemble violets, hence the common name. The flowers, however, are not asymmetrical like violets, rather, they have 5 radial petals like all members of the rose family. The False violet grows best in boggy areas with wet soils or in woodlands in partial to full shade. The plant tends to be low, spreading by runners with leaves and flowers on separate stalks from the runner and has a height of 2 to 5 inches. The fruit is edible, but small and dry. If fruit is desired, there are better choices in the Rubus genus. This plant is listed as endangered in North Carolina and several other states. This plant is moderately resistant to damage from deer. It provides excellent cover year round for birds and small mammals and butterflies and other insects are attracted to the blooms. Its fruits are eaten by songbirds, small mammals, foxes, raccoons, and black bears. During the winter, birds and small mammals eat the seeds left from rotted fruit. White-tailed deer and rabbits browse the leaves. Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or other problems.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil drainage
Occasionally Wet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Creeping
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Orbicular; Ovate
Leaf margin
Crenate
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
The False violet has simple, ovate-orbiculate leaves with long petioles.
Flower color
White
Flower shape
Cup
Flower detail
Flowers bloom from April to June.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit type
Drupe
Fruit value
Edible
Fruit size
< 1 inch long
Fruit detail
A few, nearly dry, small white drupes are produced.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Wildlife value
Excellent cover year round for birds and small mammals. Butterflies and other insects are attracted to the blooms for its nectarwildlife plant, pollinator garden, nectar plant mid-spring, nectar plant late spring, nectar plant early summer. Fruits are eaten by songbirds and other animals. White-tailed deer and rabbits browse the leaves.