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Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn
Viola sororia Willd.
Missouri violet, Common blue violet, Hooded blue violet, Florida violet, Meadow violet
Violaceae (Violet Family)
Synonyms: Viola floridana, Viola papilionacea
USDA Symbol: VISO
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
The glossy, heart-shaped leaves of this 6-10 in. violet are topped by purple flowers with conspicuous white throats; the three lower petals are somewhat hairy. The erect flower stem droops slightly, as if bending its head toward the ground. Perhaps that is why the flower is associated with modesty and decency (Andy Fyon).
In addition to the normal flowers there are often flowers near the ground that fail to open, but their whitish fruit produces vast quantities of seeds. Violet leaves are high in vitamins A and C and can be used in salads or cooked as greens. The flowers can be made into candies and jellies. The Marsh Blue Violet (V. cucullata), a similar species of very wet habitats, has dark blue-centered flowers borne well above the leaves.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Notes: 0-1
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit: Green with purple
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , 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 , WVCanada: NB , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: E. NC to FL & LA
Native Habitat: Rich, moist woods; swamps
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil. Prefers humusy, moisture-retentive soils. Does not spread by runners, but freely self seeds to the point of being invasive in optimum growing conditions.
Benefit
Use Food: Violet leaves are high in vitamins A and C and can be used in salads or cooked as greens. The flowers can be made into candies and jellies. (Niering)Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Deer Resistant: High
Propagation
Description: Not AvailableSeed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
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Native perennials for moist shade in Missouri
January 16, 2005
I live near Adrian, Mo (s of KC by an hour). I currently have a small hillside that is covered by trees and shaded all day and also seems to hold moisture really well. The hill seems to grow a littl...
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From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
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 pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Viola sororia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Viola sororia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Viola sororia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-04-25Research By: LAL
