Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) vy-OH-lah sororia

Family Violaceae
Description

There may be nothing cuter than a little pansy patch.

These colorful, orchid-shaped blooms do best in cooler weather, and are technically biennials, but are usually treated as annuals.

Pansies can be “pure” (one color) or “blotched” (two colors, usually with the darker in the center) and come in white, yellow, orange, red, blue and purple. 

Fun fact: the name “Pansy” comes from the French word for thought, “pensee,” because the blotched pansy looks like a serious and thoughtful human face. No wonder we feel such an emotional connection to these pensive little cuties!

Plant Data
I am a... Deciduous Perennial
How to Recognize It Low-growing plant with heart-shaped, slightly cup-live leaves Pretty five-petaled purple flowers (there is some color variation in the species) with a little white in the middles.
Why to Like This native perennial has pretty purple flowers. The flowers and young leaves of violets are edible, and are sometimes added as a colorful addition to salads.
Mature Size 6 - 9 inches tall. 6 - 9 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium : Moist, but not wet.
Zones 3a - 9b
Tags Annual in Chicago, Attractive to Butterflies, Attractive to Hummingbirds, Border, Butterfly Garden, Container, Cottage Garden, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Eclectic Garden, Fillers, Formal Garden, Fragrant Flowers, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Moist Soil, Normal Soil, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Thornless, Well-Drained Soil
Bloom Period April to August
Flower Color White, Blue
Animals That Use It

Seeds:

 
Data Sheets
   In the Landscape Focused on the Plant Leaves Flowers Fruit Fall Leaf Winter Form
 
 

Photos: Google Image Search & Flickr

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