ExplorePlants

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
common blue violet
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
common blue violet

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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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

Ability

Seed Slinger

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

Ability

Secret Seeds

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

Ability

Underground Spreader

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

Also known as

Blue Violet

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before picking flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is common blue violet's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common blue violet pollinated?

Insect

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