Viola eriocarpa
smooth yellow violet
Overview
Viola eriocarpa is a low, clump-forming perennial of eastern North American woodlands, growing 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall. It is closely related to Viola pubescens and is treated by some botanists as the smooth-fruited variety of that species. Leaves are broadly heart-shaped with toothed margins, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) wide, carried on leafy upright stems rather than rising only from the base. In early to mid spring the plant bears yellow flowers about 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) across, the lower petals marked with purple-brown veins that guide pollinators. Unlike the hairy V. pubescens, this plant has nearly smooth stems and hairless seed capsules. After the showy spring flowers, the plant also produces closed, self-pollinating flowers near the base that set seed without opening. V. eriocarpa grows in moist, rich deciduous woods and shaded slopes, spreading slowly by seed to form small colonies. It tolerates deep shade and goes dormant by late summer in dry conditions. The foliage and flowers are edible in small amounts. It needs cool, moist, humus-rich soil and declines in hot, dry, or sunny sites.
Native Range
Viola eriocarpa is native to eastern and central North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Georgia and west to Oklahoma and Minnesota. It grows in moist, rich deciduous woods, wooded slopes, and shaded stream banks.Suggested Uses
V. eriocarpa is used as a groundcover and spring accent in shade and woodland gardens, native-plant borders, and along shaded paths. It suits naturalized plantings with spring ephemerals and ferns. Plants are spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
V. eriocarpa blooms in early to mid spring, generally April to May. The yellow flowers open above the foliage over two to three weeks. Later in the season the plant produces closed, self-pollinating flowers near the base that set seed without opening.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow with purple-brown veinsFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 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
V. eriocarpa grows in part to full shade and needs cool, moist, humus-rich soil. It tolerates deep shade but declines in hot, dry, or sunny sites and may go dormant by late summer in drought. Water needs are moderate, with steady woodland moisture suiting it. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, it overwinters as a dormant crown. The plant self-seeds and spreads slowly to form small colonies. It needs little care in a suitable woodland setting and no feeding in rich soil.Pruning
V. eriocarpa needs no pruning. Spent flower stems and yellowing summer foliage can be removed as the plant goes dormant. Seed capsules may be left to self-sow or removed to limit spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons