Canada violet

Viola canadensis

Summary

A North American native, Canada violet (Viola canadensis)  delights us in spring with its fragrant white blooms. A good choice for heavily shaded areas, it will even thrive under black walnut trees,  freely self-seeding throughout the years. When its blossoms fade, the dark green, heart-shaped leaves provide a beautiful ground cover all through the growing season. It’s a top choice for providing ‘soft landings’ for pollinators under native trees and shrubs.

 

More Details

FAMILY

Violaceae (Violet)

BLOOM TIME

May-June

FLOWER

White with magenta nectar guides

MATURE SIZE

1 - 1.5 feet

LIGHT REQUIREMENT

Part sun to part shade

SOIL CONDITIONS

Average to moist

NATIVE STATUS

PA Native

Ecosystem Connections

Canada violet supports a diversity of pollinators. Fritillary butterflies use it as a host plant; it supports several specialist Andrena (mining) bees; and many other butterflies and bees are drawn to its sweet spring nectar. And after blossoms fade, birds and small mammals use the seed fruits as a food source.

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