Viola minuscula
northern white violet
Overview
Viola minuscula is a low, stemless perennial reaching 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) tall, spreading by slender stolons and short rhizomes to form mats 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) across. Leaves rise directly from the rootstock on slender stalks; the blades are rounded to heart-shaped, 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-4 cm) wide, with shallow rounded teeth and a smooth surface. White flowers, about 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) across, are held singly just above or among the leaves in spring; the lower three petals carry purple veins, and the two lateral petals are bearded at the base. Later in the season the plant produces closed, self-pollinating flowers near the ground that set seed without opening. Capsules split into three parts and eject small seeds. The plant is shallow-rooted and depends on consistently moist soil; the thin leaves wither quickly in dry conditions. Spread by stolons forms colonies in wet ground and can crowd small neighboring plants.
Native Range
Native across northern North America from Alaska and Canada south through the northern United States to the higher Appalachians and the mountain West. Grows in wet meadows, seeps, stream margins, bog edges, and damp open woods, usually on saturated, acidic soils.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover in bog gardens, rain gardens, and shaded streamside plantings, spaced 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) apart. Suited to naturalizing in damp lawns and on woodland floors. The spreading habit limits its use in confined beds with slower-growing companions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 4"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Open, insect-pollinated flowers appear from April to June, depending on latitude and elevation. Bloom lasts about 3-4 weeks. Through summer the plant produces closed self-pollinating flowers at or below the soil surface that set seed without petals.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with purple veinsFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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 in part shade in consistently moist to wet, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Water to keep the soil from drying, since the shallow roots and thin leaves wilt during drought. The plant spreads by stolons and seed and forms broad colonies in damp ground, which may crowd small neighboring plants. Slugs feed on the foliage in wet conditions. No fertilizer is needed in humus-rich soil. Foliage dies back after frost and reappears in spring.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. Take off yellowing leaves after frost to tidy the planting. Lift and divide crowded mats in early spring to limit spread or to start new colonies.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons