Heart-shaped, scalloped, hairy to nearly glabrous leaves with small flowers (mostly in spring and early summer) that are typically blue-purple with white throats or sometimes white. Host plant for caterpillars of the Great spangled fritillary butterfly (Speyeria cybele). May not be available in the nursery trade, but commonly found in yards. Leaves and flowers are edible. Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Common Blue Violet
Viola sororia
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Savanna / Woodland, Stream Edge
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr), Mid (May - June)
Main Color: Blue, Purple, White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Photo: Scott Woodbury
Sun Exposure
Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Butterfly
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
3 to
9
inches
Spread:
6 to
9
inches
Size
Height: 3 to
9
inches
Spread: 6 to
9
inches
Size
Height: 3 to
9
inches
Spread: 6 to
9
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Woodland gardens, lawns, ground cover.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers medium moisture soils with organic matter. Freely self-seeds. May not be easy to find from nurseries.
Special Features
Special Usage
Edible, Ground Cover
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.