Viola papilionacea , commonly know as the Wood Violet or Common Blue Violet , is a member of the Viola genus within the Violaceae kinsperson . This metal money is notable for its heart - work leave and violet to profane flowers , though it can also produce white or mixed - colour blooms . The species name “ papilionacea ” refers to its butterfly stroke - like ( papilionaceous ) visual aspect of the bloom .
Wood Violet is native to eastern North America , with its range extend from Nova Scotia in Canada , Dixie through the easterly United States , including Department of State like New York , Pennsylvania , Ohio , and down to Georgia , and westwards to Missouri and Oklahoma . It typically inhabits timberland , meadows , and along watercourse , thriving in moist , well - drained soils with partial shade to full Dominicus .
Historically , Viola papilionacea has been substantial for both its ornamental dish and cultural use . Native American tribes used violets for food , with both folio and flowers being edible , and for medicative intent , peculiarly for respiratory and skin conditions . With European settlement , it became a symbol of love and modesty in literature and folklore . In the 19th and 20th century , violet were pop in gardens for their early spring blooms , often link with the first signs of spring . They ’ve also been used in essence due to their sweet bouquet . Violets have been adopt as state flowers by several states , admit Illinois , New Jersey , Rhode Island , and Wisconsin , highlight their cultural significance .
Wood Violet is well - suit to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8 , meditate its ability to thrive in a variety of climates , from the nerveless northerly states to the warmer , humid circumstance of the Southeast . As a perennial , its lifespan can be quite long , with single plant living for several old age , though they often diffuse through come or undercover rhizomes , leading to instinctive colony that can run for decennium in lucky condition .
Wood Violet (Viola papilionacea ): Characteristics
Wood Violet (Viola papilionacea): Cultivation
Site Selection
pick out a location with fond shade , although it can grow in full sun with adequate moisture . It flourishes where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade , mimicking its woodland home ground .
Soil Preparation
Prefers moist , well - drained , slenderly acidulent to neutral soil . Enrich with constitutive affair like compost to heighten richness and moisture retention .
found
works in spring or early fall . place plant about 6 to 12 inch apart to earmark for spread . If starting from seeds , sow direct in the garden in late summer or devolve for instinctive stratification .
Watering
piddle regularly to keep dirt consistently moist , particularly during establishment . Once established , it can put up brusk dry spells but prefers not to dry out out totally .
Mulching
Use a thin layer of organic mulch like shredded leaves or true pine straw to retain soil moisture , suppress sens , and allow a coolheaded , dampish environment for the roots .
impregnation
fecundate sparingly ; too much can precede to lush foliage at the expense of flowers . A idle app of a balanced , slow - release fertilizer in former bound can be beneficial .
Pruning and Maintenance
Deadhead spend flowers to encourage more fucking and prevent ego - seeding where not want . trim back back any numb foliage in late fall or early spring .
Pest and Disease Management
Generally pest - resistant , but watch for slugs or aphid . expert air circulation can preclude fungal issues like powdery mould . off affected leaves if problems arise .
Propagation
Easily propagated by air division in spring or fall . seed can also be collected and seeded , though they require moth-eaten stratification for germination . Offsets or runners can be come apart and replanted .
Winter Care
In its hardiness zone , no special winter care is needed as it ’s quite hardy , often keeping its leaf through mild wintertime . A light mulch can protect against utmost frigidness .
