Exploring Florida’s Natives: The Florida Violet

You may recognize the delicate, vibrant flowers of the Florida violet (Viola sororia), but did you know that this flower is native to Florida? This annual can add a pop of color to most any garden. Still, it is important to keep the plant’s requirements in mind when considering it. Let’s explore the origins and growing conditions of the Florida violet.

A few small purple flowers with five petals and dark green leaves. — Mature blue violet plant (*Viola sororia*). Photo Credit: Scott Zona

Origins of the Florida Violet

In nature, the Florida violet grows in habitats like open woodlands, meadows, and other shaded clearings throughout the Eastern United States. Besides being kept for its beauty, this native wildflower has historically been used in traditional practices for its mild medicinal properties. Its leaves and flowers are edible in moderation and can be used in herbal teas, salads, or in cooked dishes.

4 purple flowers and dark green leaves of a mature Florida violet plant sprouting from the ground. — Florida Violets. “Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)” by wackybadger is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Growing Conditions and Characteristics

The Florida violet is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7 and typically reaches a height and width of 6 to 8 inches. It thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil, with a pH above 6, and prefers partial to full shade. The Florida violet is a cool-season plant, so it can withstand cooler temperatures.

The Florida violet is versatile and and makes a great addition to the garden as ground cover, in rock gardens, along edging, as a container plant, or as part of mixed borders. It has dark-green, heart-shaped leaves and beautiful flowers that range in color from purple, white, or yellow and bloom in late winter. This wildflower is popular with pollinators as well. It is a food source for birds and small mammals and a larval host for moths, bees, and butterflies. Specifically, you may find his plant supports Fritillary butterfly (Agraulis vanillae) larvae.

A mature bright orange larva with branched black spines rests on a green leaf. — Fritillary Larvae. UF/IFAS Photo by Dr. Jaret Daniels

Why Plant Native Species?

While native and non-invasive exotic plants can enhance local ecosystems, invasive exotic species pose a threat to native flora and disrupt ecological balance. In Florida, invasive species like the Mexican petunia and Brazilian peppertree jeopardize native habitats, making it crucial to select appropriate plants for your landscape.Choosing native plants like the Florida violet supports Central Florida’s local ecology by providing food and habitat for native wildlife, like the Fritillary butterfly, while requiring minimal maintenance.

To learn more about invasive plants, click here.

A adult butterfly with deep orange wings and small black markings dotted on the wings rests on a green leaf. — Adult Fritillary butterfly. “Gulf Fritillary butterfly” by USFWS/Southeast is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Have a question?

If you have any questions about gardening in Central Florida, please contact UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County at 352-518-0156. For more information on UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Community Gardens, and how you can join one, visit http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/. Supervising Agent: Dr. Whitney Elmore.

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Featured image: “150429 007 Viola sororia, Taraxicum officinale, common violets and dandelions” by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.