Dog Violet
Photo:
David Baird, Common Dog Violet, Public domain
Dog Violet (Viola conspersa) is common in fields and pastures. It can be used as ground cover.
The plants are only 2-4 cm tall in the spring, but they grow taller later in the summer. It has hairless leaves. The basal leaves are round or kidney-shaped, with rounded tips and fine rounded marginal teeth; the stem leaves are heart-shaped and 2-4 cm long, with spear-shaped stipules that are ragged or torn in the upper part.
Quick Growing Guide
Botanical Name: Viola conspersa
En français: Violette décombante
Blooms:
Sun / Shade:
Water: Moist
Soil:
Pollinators:
Care:
Dog violet can be found in open mixed woods, borders, and fields in nature. Naturalize in moist soils in shaded areas of native plant gardens, shade gardens, woodland gardens, or wild/naturalized areas in your gardens. It also thrives in ponds, stream banks, and shady rock gardens.
Caring for Dog Violet
Plants may be grown from seed, but will not flower for 4-5 years. Quicker and better results are obtained from planting corms. Also, offsets from mature plants may be harvested and planted.
These native plants do not transplant well and should be left alone in the wild. Phlox divaricata, Chrysogonum virginianum, Iris cristata, Silene regia, and Spigelia marilandica are all good companion plants.
Comments
More From Gardening Calendar
Tropical Hibiscus and Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus are hardy perennials, while others are annuals, shrubs, or tropical plants. Hibiscus plants are grown for a variety of uses.
Blue-stemmed Goldenrod is well behaved.
See the unique qualities of blue-stemmed goldenrod—attracts pollinators & is deer & rabbit-resistant. Enjoy its bright yellow flowers & bluish stems in native plant gardens, open woodland gardens, borders, wild gardens & more. Prune & divide in spring or fall.
Care For The Salvia Plant: Flower, Medicinal and Culinary
Salvia is a blooming, decorative garden plant with nectar-rich blooms that attract a variety bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Gardening for Birds: Planting for Black-capped Chickadees
Learn how to attract black-capped chickadees to your garden by planting native trees and flowers that provide food and nesting spaces.
Common Blue Violet Is an Offical Flower
Common Blue Violet is a ground cover that provides an early nectar source for pollinators. Read more about this official state flower.
Bottle Gentian is a Garden Darling!
Discover the beautiful Bottle Gentian flower, with its dark blue closed petals that never open. Found in North America, this perennial will bloom in late summer and thrive with minimal care. Pollinated exclusively by bumblebees, it can handle cold weather and become a unique addition to any garden!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.