There's fennel for you, and columbines: there's rue
for you; and here's some for me: we may call it
herb-grace o' Sundays: O you must wear your rue with
a difference. There's a daisy: I would give you
some violets, but they withered all when my father
died: they say he made a good end,–

From "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare

A delightful woodland wildflower, Common Blue Violet blooms twice, in the spring and then again, less profusely, in the fall.  In ideal locations it will form large, thick masses, choking out competitors and making a beautiful display when blooming. Its appealing flowers are held just above the attractive heart-shaped basal leaves, which are on 3 - 8 inch stems.

I am very fond of this plant and have encouraged it around many of the trees in my yard, so I find it scattered throughout my lawn, despite being repeatedly lopped off with the mower. I find it to be a very attractive ground cover even when not in bloom.

It is more lush and larger under shady, moist, fertile conditions. It can survive in sunny areas, but it doesn't bloom as well, and its foliage is smaller and is a less attractive yellow-green. Even thriving plants growing nicely in shady areas will wilt drastically during dry periods. They seem to be able to survive stretches of dry conditions (a necessity during most Missouri summers, which are humid but often experience rainless stretches), reviving upon receiving water, but they are clearly moisture-loving plants.

Report errors and send comments to the webmaster.

 Yellow/Orange      Red/Pink      White      Blue/Purple
   List By Name       Links       Note Cards       Home