Alpine Violet (Viola labradorica)

Alpine Violet

(Viola labradorica)

David Eickhoff from Pearl City, Hawaii, USA

CC BY 2.0

Image By: David Eickhoff from Pearl City, Hawaii, USA

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: David Eickhoff from Pearl City, Hawaii, USA | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Viola_labradorica_(5597148134).jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Viola labradorica, commonly known as alpine violet, American dog violet, dog violet, or Labrador violet, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to cool temperate regions, including open woodlands and forest edges in Greenland, eastern Canada, and the eastern United States. It typically forms low-growing clumps reaching 2 to 4 inches in height and spreading 4 to 6 inches wide. The heart-shaped leaves are purplish-green and can have a slightly hairy texture, which may be less palatable when eaten. From late spring to early summer, it produces small, delicate violet flowers that add a subtle charm to garden settings.

Viola labradorica is valued for its ground-covering ability and attractive foliage, which can provide a pop of color in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and shaded borders. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal care once established. This violet prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and thrives in full sun to part shade. While generally disease-free, it can suffer from leaf spot and needs good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
Width: 0.25-0.5 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Purple
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, 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., Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and forest edges, with heart-shaped purplish-green leaves and small violet flowers in late spring to early summer

Other Names

Common Names: American Dog Violet, Labrador Violet, Dog Violet, Violette Décombante, Violette Du Labrador, Violette Bleu-Pâle

Scientific Names: , Viola conspersa, Viola labradorica, Viola adunca var. minor, Viola muhlenbergii var. pubescens, Viola canina var. muhlenbergii, Viola muhlenbergiana, Viola muhlenbergiana var. minor, Viola conspersa f. conspersa, Viola leucopetala

GBIF Accepted Name: Viola labradorica Schrank