Common Blue Violet

(Viola sororia)

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Viola sororia, commonly known as Common Blue Violet, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including moist meadows, woodlands, and along stream banks in the Eastern and Central USA. It typically forms a low-growing ground cover reaching 6-10 inches in height and width, with glossy, heart-shaped leaves. The plant produces showy purple flowers with white throats from April to June, and sometimes sporadically through summer and fall. The lower three petals are bearded with fine hairs, and the flower stems droop slightly, adding to its delicate appearance.

Common Blue Violet is valued for its early spring flowers and its ability to thrive in shady conditions, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and as a ground cover under trees. It is also used in borders for its attractive foliage and flowers. This violet prefers moist, rich soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade, although it flourishes best in partial shade. While it requires high amounts of water, it is also tolerant of medium moisture levels once established. Gardeners should be aware that Viola sororia can self-seed prolifically, which is beneficial for naturalizing but may be considered aggressive in small garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.8 feet
  • Width: 0.5-0.8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

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, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows, woodlands, and along stream banks in the Eastern USA

Other Names

Common Names: Missouri Violet , Florida Violet , Meadow Violet , Confederate Violet , Wood Violet , Woolly Blue Violet , Bayou Violet , Downy Blue Violet , Sister Violet , Blue Praire Violet

Scientific Names: Viola sororia , Viola papilionacea , Viola septentrionalis , Viola priceana , Viola sororia f. priceana , Viola sororia var. sororia , Viola floridana , Viola latiuscula , Viola sororia subsp. sororia , Viola domestica

GBIF Accepted Name: Viola sororia Willd.