Common Blue Violet (Viola Sororia)

Common Blue Violet

Features and Characteristics

Viola sororia, commonly called woolly blue violet, is a common Missouri native wildflower which occurs in woods, thickets and streambanks throughout the State. A stemless, rhizomatous, low-growing perennial (3-8″ tall) which features downy, basal, wide-heart-shaped leaves and large blue-violet flowers (sometimes white with purple veining). Each flower rests atop its own leafless stalk. Blooms in early spring and sometimes intermittently into late summer.

Genus name comes from the Latin name for various sweet-scented flowers.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers humusy, moisture-retentive soils. Does not spread by runners, but freely self-seeds to the point of being weedy in optimum growing conditions.

Common Blue Violet (Viola Sororia) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 7
Sun light	Full Sun To Part Shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Foliage tends to depreciate in hot summers.

Uses

Best massed and left to spread undisturbed in open woodland gardens, wildflower gardens, native plant gardens or naturalized areas. Good small scale ground cover for areas along walkways or under shrubs.

Common Blue Violet (Viola Sororia) Details

Common name	Common Blue Violet
Botanical name	Viola Sororia
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Violaceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 7
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	White, Blue
Flowering period	April - August
Height	0.50 To 0.75 Feet
Width	0.50 To 0.75 Feet