Viola canadensis
canada violet
Overview
Viola canadensis is a clump-forming woodland perennial native across much of North America, growing 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) tall on leafy upright stems. Unlike stemless violets, it carries its heart-shaped, toothed leaves and flowers along branching stems that rise from a short rhizome. The flowers are about 0.75 inch (2 cm) wide, white with a yellow throat and slender purple veins on the lower petals; the backs of the petals are flushed pale purple, so the buds appear tinged from outside. Bloom runs from spring into early summer, often with a lighter rebloom later in the season. The plant spreads slowly by rhizomes and self-sown seed to form loose colonies. V. canadensis grows in rich, moist deciduous and mixed woods, along streams, and on shaded slopes. It needs cool, humus-rich soil and declines in hot, dry, or sunny sites. The foliage may go semi-dormant during summer heat. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8.
Native Range
Native to North America, from Alaska and across Canada south through the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachians, and the upper Midwest. It grows in rich moist woodlands, along streams, and on shaded slopes.Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland and shade gardens, native plant borders, and naturalized drifts under trees. It serves as a larval host for fritillary butterflies and combines with ferns and other spring woodland plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'4"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
White flowers open from mid spring into early summer, generally April through July, with scattered later flowers in cool seasons. The flowers carry a light fragrance and draw bees and other small pollinators. Plants spread by seed ejected from ripe capsules.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with yellow throat and purple veinsFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow V. canadensis in part to full shade with cool, moist, humus-rich soil. It declines in hot sun and dry ground, and the foliage may thin out during summer heat. Mulch with leaf litter to hold moisture and keep the roots cool. Plants self-sow and spread by rhizome, so allow room for colonies to develop or thin seedlings to limit spread. Division in spring or fall renews older clumps. Established plants need little attention beyond seasonal watering in dry spells.Pruning
No pruning is required. Shear back tired or mildewed foliage in midsummer to prompt fresh growth. Remove spent stems in late fall, or leave seed capsules to allow self-sowing.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons