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Native Plant Database

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Viola pubescens (Downy yellow violet)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Viola pubescens Ait.

Downy yellow violet

Violaceae (Violet Family)

Synonyms: Viola pubescens var. pubescens, Viola pensylvanica

USDA Symbol: VIPU3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This is a softly hairy violet, 9-12 in. tall. The bright yellow flowers, veined with purple toward the throat, grow on leafy stems above sturdy green foliage.

Among the numerous yellow violets, the hairy nature of this species is usually distinctive. However, one variety of this species, Smooth Yellow Violet (V. pubescens var. pubescens), has non-hairy foliage, including 1-3 heart-shaped basal leaves. Full species of yellow violet that are both stemmed and non-hairy include the Three-part-leaved Violet (V. tripartita), a southern and western species with 3-lobed leaves, and the Prairie Yellow Violet (V. nuttallii), with lanceolate leaves. Our only stemless yellow Violet (with flowers and leaves on separate stalks) is the Round-leaved Yellow Violet (V. rotundifolia), with a small flower and roundish basal leaves.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Dark Green
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Orange , Yellow
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV , WY
Canada: MB , NB , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: N.S. to SD, s. to VA uplands, MS & OK
Native Habitat: Rich, dry woods; alluvial woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Rich, dry soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Benefit

Use Food: Flowers edible.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: This violet can be propagated by seed. If seeds are sown in flats, do not disturb the seedlings until the second year.
Seed Collection: Use wire cages over plants to deter chipmunks, if you want to collect seeds. Watch the seed pods closely and pick them just as they are about to turn tan. Drop them into a glass jar with a piece of tissue to keep them from molding.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Ground cover for trails in Northeast Texas
January 09, 2008
I have several acres of wooded land in Northeast Texas, Southern Lamar County. Both sandy and black land. I have created trails through the woods and would like to plant a native ground cover or gras...
view the full question and answer

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Viola pubescens in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Viola pubescens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Viola pubescens

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-05-08
Research By: TWC Staff

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