Hookedspur Violet

(Viola adunca)

Hookedspur Violet (Viola adunca)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Viola adunca, commonly known as Hookedspur Violet, is an evergreen perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grassy slopes, and alpine meadows in the Western United States and parts of Canada. It forms a hairy, compact clump from a small rhizome system and typically grows 5-10 cm tall. The leaves are spade- or heart-shaped, sometimes with broadly wavy margins, and the plant produces nodding violet flowers about 1.5 cm (1/2 in) long. These flowers have five purple petals; the lower three showcase white bases with purple veining, while the two side petals are white-bearded near the throat, and the upper two petals may have hooked spurs at their tips. Hookedspur Violet blooms in late spring and is known for its edible leaves and flowers, which can be used in salads, as potherbs, or brewed as tea.

This violet is valued for its low maintenance and the delicate beauty of its flowers. It is often used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and as ground cover. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires medium amounts of water, adapting well to a range of soil types with varying drainage. While it is not typically prone to serious diseases or pests, it can suffer from leaf spot and root rot if conditions are too wet. Hookedspur Violet is not known for being invasive and is a beneficial addition to gardens, attracting pollinators such as butterflies.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, grassy slopes, and alpine meadows

Other Names

Common Names: Early Blue Violet , Sand Violet , Western Dog Violet , Hook-Spurred Violet , Hook-Spur Violet

Scientific Names: Viola adunca , Viola adunca f. adunca , Viola adunca f. glabra , Viola subvestita , Viola adunca subsp. adunca , Viola adunca var. cascadensis , Viola retroscabra , Viola minima , Viola montanensis , Viola adunca var. glabra

GBIF Accepted Name: Viola adunca Sm.