Common Blue Violet

Viola sororia (vy-OH-la so-ROR-ee-uh)

Family: Violaceae Native Groundcover (<1 ft)

Common blue violet is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial in the violet family (Violaceae) native to eastern and central North America. It grows in woods, thickets, and along streambeds, especially in shadier areas. The specific epithet, Latin for “sisters,” was not explained by the author. Perhaps it alludes to the gregarious nature of the species. The common blue violet prefers moist, rich soils and dappled sunlight. However, it will grow in many light conditions and tolerate wet soil, clay soil, and the exudates of black walnut trees. It also freely self-seeds and may become weedy in fertile, moist locations. During hot summer months, the foliage tends to deteriorate. The common blue violet produces showy flowers in early spring, but during the summer months, it produces flowers that never open (cleistogamous flowers) but which develop into fruits with fertile seeds. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Members of the genus Viola support specialized ground-nesting Andrena bees. Birds and small mammals use the seed fruits as a food source. Use the blue violet as a wildflower in lawns, rock gardens, edging, and borders. This plant can also be used as a groundcover along walls and path edges as mowing can limit its spread. It is best in open woodland gardens where it can be left to spread naturally. It is deer resistant, but much loved by rabbits. Quick ID Leaves are basal, heart-shaped and crenate. Many solitary, 2 cm flowers on slender stalks Acaulescent herbaceous plant with purple to white spring flowers Lateral petals with basal tufts of hairs Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: May have some issues with slugs, snails, aphids, red spider mite, and violet gall midge. Powdery mildew and pansy leaf spot are occasional disease problems. VIDEO Created by Homegrown featuring Travis Birdsell, County Extension Director and Extension Agent for Ashe County Extension More information on Viola .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 68 attributes.