common blue violet

Viola sororia

The common blue violet is a pretty flower with heart-shaped leaves and lovely purple blooms. It often grows in gardens and meadows, bringing color to the springtime.

Habitat: Meadows

Appearance

The common blue violet has heart-shaped, scalloped green leaves emerging from the base. Its familiar five-petaled flowers are typically deep violet-blue, though variations in white or pale lavender can occur. The two upper petals point up, while the three lower ones have fine white hairs near the center.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyViolaceaeGenusViola

Photo from Wikimedia CommonsPublic domainView original ↗

common blue violet

Interesting facts

In ancient Greece, violets were used to make 'violet wine'!

Some violet flowers never even open their petals to make seeds!

Tiny ants are tricked into carrying violet seeds far away for a snack!

Violets have secret underground stems that help them spread quickly!

Special abilities

Common blue violet can trick ants into carrying its seeds away by offering a tasty reward, helping it spread far and wide.

Common blue violet has hidden, tiny flowers that self-pollinate underground, ensuring seeds are made even if no insects visit.

Common blue violet can spread quickly using underground stems called rhizomes, forming new plants without needing seeds.

Measurements & details

Height: 10-20 cm
Spread: 15-30 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Early spring to early summer
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

Eaten by

Great Spangled Fritillary

Speyeria cybele

Larvae feed on violet leaves

Pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Visits open flowers for nectar

Symbiotic with

Silky Ant

Formica pallidefulva

Disperses seeds in exchange for food

Traits

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Shade Tolerant

Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.

Spring Blooming

Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.

Edible

Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.

Grassland

Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Forest

Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

Also known as

Blue Violet

Collections

Plants

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before picking flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify common blue violet?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How tall is common blue violet?

10-20 cm

How wide does common blue violet spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on common blue violet?

1-2 cm

When does common blue violet bloom?

Early spring to early summer

Is common blue violet edible?

Yes

Is common blue violet toxic?

None