Viola sororia
Common Blue Violet
Please register or login to build your personal plant list.The state flower of New Jersey, Common Blue Violets adorn our yards in early spring, providing an important food source for emerging bees.
Description:
The state flower of New Jersey, Common Blue Violets adorn our yards in early spring, providing an important food source for emerging bees. Each 3/4 inch purple flower has 3 upper and 2 lower petals. The lower petals have a small white hair-like “beard” that guides insects towards the nectar. Flowers rise slightly above a rosette of dark green heart-shaped leaves. When ready, seeds are thrust through mechanical projection by the plant, and will readily germinate the following year. Prefers partial sun, but grows well in full sun or light shade. Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. This adaptable flowering perennial can be planted in clumps along borders or used as a groundcover. Its lush leaves offer a green, 3-season accent to other plants in the garden.
Wildlife Value: Bees value the nectar and birds eat the seeds. Host plant for many Fritillary butterfly caterpillars including Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia), Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite), Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona), Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene).
Plant Details:
Other Scientific Names: Viola papilionacea
Other Common Names: Purple Violet
Plant Type: Flower, Perennial
New Jersey Native: Yes
Bloom Times: Spring
Bloom Colors: Purple, White
Deer Resistance: High
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies, Birds
Salt Tolerance: Unknown
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ
Grows in Special Ecoregions: Pinelands
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline
Light Needs of Plant
Optimal Light: Partial Shade
Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Water Needs of Plant
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Size and Growth Rate
Height: .25 - .50 ft
Spread: .25 - .50 ft
Growth Rate: Medium