Common violet (Viola sororia) is a native herbaceous perennial whose purple petals signify the vibrant beginning of spring. Though this ground-covering plant is small, its legends and ecological impacts are mighty. As common violet begins to bloom from March through June, it provides Missouri with an abundance of food for wildlife, nectar and habitat for pollinators, wild edible delicacies for humans and a line of defense against some pesky invasive plants. This plant also has a powerful legend associated with it from the Iroquois, which follows the journey of two lovers from enemy tribes whose love causes the first violets to bloom.
The common violet is known by many names, including common blue violet, meadow violet, butterfly violet, woolly blue violet and downy blue violet. Common violets have heart-shaped, scalloped leaves and five flower petals that can range from being blue-violet to white with purple veining in color.
Missouri is home to seventeen species of violets, most of which look so much alike that the only way to distinguish one species from another is by examining their leaves, which also appear differently depending on their stage of maturity. The violet that looks most strikingly different from the common violet is known as bird’s-foot violet (Viola pedata). The bird’s-foot violet has deeply dissected leaves that resemble a bird's foot, and their petals are slightly pointed and range from pale lilac to lavender in color.
Violet blossoms can be found all across the state of Missouri on hillsides, in open woodlands, on woodland borders, near streams and perhaps they may even be popping up in your own backyard.
Although many see violets appearing in lawns as a weed to quickly be rid of, these flowering plants actually provide a wide variety of benefits to the ecologically conscious gardener, whether you’re novice to the practice or a long-term expert. Leaving some common violets in your yard can help to feed butterflies, bees, rabbits, birds and white-tailed deer. Violets also provide important ground-cover under perennials and shrubs that can be helpful as habitat to nesting pollinators. Some butterflies, such as the variegated fritillary butterfly, will even lay their eggs on the plants’ leaves, showcasing how important violets can be for nectar and pollen-loving guests. As a native plant, common violets can even help to outcompete some invasive plants, such as mock strawberry.
In addition to the common violet’s benefits to nature’s critters, they can also be a fun addition to the kitchen as wild edibles. Their blossoms can be made into jelly, syrup, used as sugar confections to add to baked recipes and they can even be tossed fresh into salads. Violets are best eaten when they’re young, for the older they get, the tougher they become. (Discover a simple violet syrup recipe.)
It is important to note that while most violet species are edible, the yellow-flowering variety are not. As with any plant or food, some people can have a mild reaction to eating them, so be sure to try your violet concoctions in small amounts before consuming it in large quantities. This safety precaution can be applicable to all new foods and is highly recommended as you explore the realm of wild edibles.
Contributed by Aisha Muhammad, Missouri Department of Conservation.