Canada violet
Viola canadensis

Photo by Pam Ford
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.