Canadian violets are eastern North American herbaceous perennial wildflowers in the violet family (Violaceae). Native to the mountains and Piedmont of North Carolina, they can be found in rich mesic areas, such as floodplains. The species epithet means “native to Canada.” Performance is better in cool summer climates of the northern U.S. and Canada than in hot summers like most of North Carolina. Heavy shade and being planted under black walnut trees do not affect this plant. They freely self-seed to the point of being weedy. They do not spread by runners like other violets; however, they may form clumps. They have showy fragrant white tinged with purple flowers from summer to fall. The flowers face outward at the tips of short, slender stalks. This variety can be distinguished from other white violas by its flowers that grow from the axils of the upper leaves and its yellow petal bases. This plant supports Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona ) and Atlantis Fritillary (Speyeria atlantis ) butterfly larvae. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Members of the genus Viola support the following specialized miner bees: Andrena (Gonandrena) fragilis, Andrena (Gonandrena) integra, and Andrena (Gonandrena) platyparia. Birds and small mammals use the seed fruits as a food source. This plant is resistant to damage by deer. They are probably too weedy for rock gardens or borders but do well in shaded woodland gardens. Canadian violet is good for butterfly gardens, children's gardens, and pollinator gardens. It can be used in the front of the border or as a groundcover. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Self-seeds to the point of being invasive. It may be considered too aggressive for most gardens. More information on Viola .
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 texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches; 12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Mounding
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite; Rosulate
Leaf shape
Cordate
Leaf margin
Serrate; Undulate
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
The basal and stem leaves are mostly heart-shaped with scalloped edges or shallow teeth and are 2-4 inches long and 3 inches wide. The tips are sharply pointed. The stem leaves are longer and narrower than basal ones. Fine hairs are on leaf edges and along major veins.
Flower color
Cream/Tan; Gold/Yellow; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Edible; Fragrant
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Cup
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Single flowers are about 1 inch across or less, slightly irregular with 5 white petals, distinctly yellow at the base, and dark purple lines on the lower petal. The side petals are “bearded” with tufts of short hairs. The backs of the petals are tinged purple. In North Carolina, flowers are available from April to July.
Bloom time
Fall; Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Green
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
The oval capsule is up to 1/2 inch long and covered in fine hairs. It changes from green to brown before splitting into 3 sections to release numerous brown seeds. In North Carolina, fruits are available from June to August.
Stem color
Green; Purple/Lavender
Stem detail
Green with a purplish tinge. Typically, hairless or may have a few scattered hairs.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
North America
Distribution
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Wildlife value
This plant supports Meadow Fritillary butterfly and Atlantis fritillary larvae. Nectar from the flowers attract 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.
Attracts
Butterflies; Moths; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds; Specialized Bees