Kidneyleaf violet is an herbaceous perennial wildflower from northern parts of North America. This violet grows in spruce and temperate coniferous forests in swampy wooded areas. It is a member of the violet family (Violaceae). The species epithet is Latin for “kidney-leaf.” This species thrives best in partial shade on moist, humus-rich soil. It is fully cold-hardy but appears intolerant of summer heat, so place this violet in the coolest part of the garden. At flowering, the leaves are kidney-shaped (wider than long), but after flowering is complete, subsequently produced leaves are larger and more heart-shaped (longer than wide). The upper leaf surface is smooth, while the lower surface is typically hairy or occasionally hairless. The kidneyleaf violet can occasionally be confused with other violets with white flowers. With wild white violet ( Viola macloskeyi ) , the most distinguishing characteristic is that it spreads by thread-like stolons or runners; the kidneyleaf violet does not have runners. While the Canadian violet ( Viola canadensis ) has heart-shaped leaves throughout its life, the leaves of the kidneyleaf violet are kidney-shaped foliage up to and during flowering. Both the other species are usually bearded, whereas the kidneyleaf violet is not bearded. It will not spread by runners or stolons to form a groundcover. However, a light groundcover can be achieved over time by its habit of self-seeding. Use in a woodland, pollinator, or children’s garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: In some locations, livestock grazing and trampling have led to its disappearance. Other locations report this plant as threatened. 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.
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Frequent Standing Water | Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Mountains
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Orbicular; Reniform
Leaf margin
Crenate; Serrate
Leaf size
1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Heart to kidney-shaped basal leaves with hairs on the undersides and sometimes on the upper leaf.
Flower color
Brown/Copper; Cream/Tan; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Head; Solitary
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
1/4 - 1/2 inch white flowers with brownish-purple lines on the lower petal and occasionally the lateral petals. The lateral petals may be bearded with small tufts of white hairs. Blooms April-June.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Purple/Lavender
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
The smooth, purple capsule is nearly globular. The seeds are brown.
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Green
Stem detail
Leafless stalk.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Northern North America
Distribution
AK , CO , CT , IA , ID , MA , ME , MI , MN , MT , NH , NY , PA , RI , SD , VT , WA , WI , WY
Wildlife value
This plant supports Fritillary butterfly 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. This plant is resistant to damage by deer.