Pale violet is a native, herbaceous perennial wildflower found in moist to wet areas of low woods, meadows, ditches, woodland borders and stream banks. It is widespread in eastern North America. Pale violet is a member of the violet family (Violaceae). The Latin species epithet means “lined” and refers to the lines (nectar guides) on the petals. The pale violet grows readily in most soil types but prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It grows best in moist sites in dappled sunlight to partial shade. The pale violet freely self-seeds and spreads into small colonies. It does not spread by runners. The creamy-white blooms are long-lasting and are produced from May to June, which is a longer blooming period than other native violets. The pale violet has aerial, leafy stems, unlike the tight rosettes of most other violet species. This plant supports Fritillary butterfly ( Boloria bellona) larvae. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies, skippers, and bees ( Adrena spp.). This species doesn't invade lawns and is relatively easy to cultivate in gardens. It will form a ground cover in naturalized and woodland areas. The spreading habit and self-seeding trait make this plant a great choice for informal, naturalistic designs. It is a good choice for a native, pollinator, shade or rain gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The self seeding and spreading habit of this plant can be an issue in more formal 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) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Wet
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 4 in. | Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Spreading
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Cordate; Orbicular
Leaf margin
Crenate; Serrate
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Up to 2½" long and 2" across heart-shaped dark green leaves.
Flower color
Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Long Bloom Season; Showy
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Tubular
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Creamy white 3/4 inch flowers with a purple-veined lower petal. The petals are rounded. The two lower lateral petals have patches of fine white hairs (or beards) near the throat of the flower. In North Carolina, the flowers are available from March to June.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Cream/Tan
Fruit detail
Oval seedpods about ¼" in length splits open into 3 parts to eject its seeds. In North Carolina, the fruit is available from April to July.
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Light green stem that sprawls across the ground reaching a length of up to 3 feet.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Eastern North America
Distribution
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NH, MJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, WI, WV
Wildlife value
This plant supports Fritillary butterfly larvae. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies, skippers, 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.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds; Specialized Bees