Horned Violet

(Viola cornuta)

Horned Violet (Viola cornuta)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Viola cornuta, commonly known as Horned Violet, is an evergreen perennial herb originating from the cool mountain meadows and rocky areas of the Pyrenees in France and Spain. It forms dense clumps and can reach up to 50 cm (20 in) in both height and spread. The Horned Violet is characterized by its mid-green, ovate leaves with rounded teeth and is renowned for its masses of delicate pale violet flowers that bloom in early summer. Each flower exhibits five strap-shaped petals and a distinctive slender spur, contributing to its ornamental charm. The flowers are particularly showy, making it a favorite among gardeners. The white-flowered Alba Group is also notable and, along with Viola cornuta, has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

The Horned Violet is valued for its extended flowering period and low maintenance requirements. It is often used in border fronts, rock gardens, and as ground cover. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils. It is hardy to USDA zones 6–11 and can withstand temperatures down to −15 °C (5 °F). While it is generally disease-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from violet leaf spot and root rot if conditions are too wet. It is also important to note that Viola cornuta can self-seed prolifically under favorable conditions, which may be considered invasive in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-0.8 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Blue, Orange, Purple, White, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, 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, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Cool mountain meadows and rocky areas of the Pyrenees in France and Spain

Other Names

Common Names: Horned Pansy, Bedding Pansy, Tufted Pansy, Viola, Horned Pansy, Pensamiento, Violette Cornue, Hornviol

Scientific Names: , Viola cornuta, Viola rolandii, Viola cornuta var. micrantha, Viola acaulis, Mnemion cornutum, Viola calcarata var. pyrenaica, Viola cornuta var. parvistipula,

GBIF Accepted Name: Viola cornuta L.