Downy Yellow Violet

(Viola pubescens)

Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Viola pubescens, commonly known as Downy Yellow Violet, is a perennial herb native to rich, mesic woodlands and forest edges, often in calcareous soils in the Eastern half of the United States and Southeastern Canada. It typically grows to a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) with heart-shaped leaves covered in fine hairs, giving it a downy appearance. The plant produces bright yellow, pansy-like chasmogamous flowers with purple streaks on the lower petals in early spring, which are quite showy and attract pollinators. Later in the season, it forms inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers that do not open, ensuring self-pollination. The Downy Yellow Violet is valued for its early spring blossoms and its ability to naturalize in woodland gardens.

This violet species is used in shaded garden areas, naturalized woodland settings, and as a ground cover under deciduous trees. It prefers part shade but can tolerate full shade, requiring medium amounts of water and well-drained soils with a rich organic content. While it is not aggressive, it can gently self-seed in favorable conditions. Gardeners appreciate its low maintenance and resistance to most pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and rust, especially in overly moist conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird 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, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Rich, mesic woodlands and forest edges, often in calcareous soils

Other Names

Common Names: Smooth-Yellow Violet, Downy-Yellow Violet, Yellow Forest Violet, Common Yellow Violet, Hairy Yellow Violet, Violette Pubescente, Violette De Pennsylvanie, Violette Jaune

Scientific Names: , Viola pubescens, Viola pensylvanica, Viola pubescens var. peckii, Crocion eriocarpum, Crocion pubescens, Viola pubescens f. peckii, Viola pubescens var. glabriuscula, Viola pubescens var. typica, Viola uniflora var. pubescens,

GBIF Accepted Name: Viola pubescens Aiton