When you step outside into your yard, what do you see? Is it a neatly trimmed lawn, uniform and green, or a tapestry of life, with flowers peeking out and bees buzzing about? If you’re lucky, one of those flowers might be the violet—specifically, Viola sororia, also known as the common blue violet.
While some might dismiss violets as pesky weeds, they are anything but. These small, vibrant plants are unsung heroes in our ecosystems, especially if you’re a fritillary butterfly.
Violets: Essential for Butterflies and More
Viola sororia isn’t just a pretty face; it’s the sole larval host plant for fritillary butterflies, including the Edward’s, Great Spangled, Coronis, Mormon, and Variegated Fritillaries. These butterflies rely on violets for their very survival. Without violets, their caterpillars would have nothing to eat.
But violets don’t just support butterflies. They’re also an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, offering a vital energy boost after a long, harsh winter. Their ground-hugging nature makes them a perfect ground cover, providing shelter and preventing soil erosion.
More Than Just a Weed
It’s easy to see why violets have been celebrated, even earning the title of state flower for Illinois, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. With names like common meadow violet, purple violet, and even “the lesbian flower,” they’re as versatile in culture as they are in nature.
Yes, violets self-seed with enthusiasm, popping up in lawns, gardens, and unexpected corners. But instead of waging war against them with weed killers, consider welcoming them. Together, they create a lush groundcover, turning bare spots into vibrant carpets of green and purple.
Planting and Caring for Violets
If you’re looking to encourage violets in your garden—or simply let them thrive where they already are—here are some tips:
- Bloom Time: Violets bloom in early spring, with some species offering a second show in early fall.
- Height: They stay low to the ground, around 6 inches tall.
- Soil: They’re incredibly adaptable, tolerating medium-wet to medium-dry soils.
- Light: Full sun, partial shade, or even full shade—violets are flexible.
- Location: These plants thrive just about anywhere. Try them as a ground cover in shaded areas, such as under maples or other trees.
Native American Lore
In Native American traditions, violets were often seen as symbols of modesty, love, and renewal. The Cherokee and other tribes used violets for both medicinal and culinary purposes. The flowers were made into syrups to soothe coughs, while the leaves, high in vitamins A and C, were added to soups and salads.
The violet’s ability to spread and thrive in diverse conditions also gave it a reputation as a resilient and humble plant, one that represents quiet strength and adaptability—values deeply respected in many Indigenous cultures.
Plant Facts:
| Color | Purple, sometimes white |
| Bloom season | Early spring |
| Height | 6” |
| Soil Preference | Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry |
| Light Preference | Full, Partial, Shade |
| Location(s) | Everywhere, but especially in the Maple Garden as ground cover |
The Beauty of Violets
It’s time to reframe how we see violets. They’re not invaders; they’re connectors—tying together soil, pollinators, butterflies, and the broader ecosystem. Next time you spot one, don’t reach for the weed killer. Instead, pause and consider what these tiny blooms represent: resilience, beauty, and a lifeline for the butterflies that depend on them.
After all, a healthy garden is one that supports life. And violets? They’re a critical piece of that puzzle.
Iowa Native Gardener 