Spearleaf violet is an herbaceous perennial wildflower native to the eastern United States. In North Carolina, it can be found in the mountains and occasionally the Piedmont in rich, open woods and dry-mesic oak forests and areas with acidic soils. It is a member of the violet family (Violaceae). The species epithet is Latin for “shaped like a spearhead” and describes the distinctive shape of the leaves. The spearleaf violet can grow in a variety of situations, from full sun to deep shade, as long as the soil is humus-rich and acidic. The plants do not thrive in heat and prefer cooler sites in the mountains. If grown in the Piedmont or coastal regions, it should be grown in shade, away from hot, harsh sun. The leaves are a medium green with an attractive silvery mottling pattern. They are arrowhead or sword-like in shape, wide at the bottom and tapering to a point. This species of violet is one of the caulescent violets, meaning the leaves are spaced apart along the stem rather than clustered in a rosette. Its leaves make it an easy violet to identify. The variation in the leaves has been said to resemble snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. The yellow blooms occur in spring. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Like most violets, its flowers support specialized miner bees: Andrena (Gonandrena) fragilis, Andrena (Gonandrena) integra, and Andrena (Gonandrena) platyparia. The plant supports Fritillary ( Boloria bellona ) butterfly, whose caterpillars feed on the leaves. Birds and small mammals use the seed fruits as a food source. This plant is resistant to damage by deer. Its spreading habit makes the spearleaf violet a good choice as a ground cover. Grow in naturalized woodland settings in native, rock, shade or cottage gardens. It is a good addition to butterfly and pollinator gardens. Insects, Diseases and Other Problems : No serious insect or disease issues. 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) | 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
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Erect
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate; Other/more complex
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
1 to 2 inches long, variegated (or not), arrow-shaped leaves. The leaves are alternate and stipulate, but the leaves just below the flower appear opposite.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Purple/Lavender
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Saucer
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
The 5 petaled yellow flowers are purple-tinged on the backside. They have purplish nectar lines on the lower petal and are bearded on the lateral lobes. In North Carolina, flowers are available from March to May.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Cream/Tan
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Buff colored oval capsule with brown seeds. In North Carolina, fruits are available from May to June.
Stem detail
The stem is erect, and comes from a fleshy rhizome.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Eastern North America
Distribution
AL , FL , GA , KY , MD , NC , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV
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. 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