Violet, Wood

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers humusy, moisture-retentive soils. Does not spread by runners, but freely self-seeds to the point of being weedy in optimum growing conditions. Viola sororia, commonly called woolly blue violet, is a common Missouri native wildflower which occurs in woods, thickets and streambanks throughout the State. A stemless, rhizomatous, low-growing perennial (3-8" tall) which features downy, basal, wide-heart-shaped leaves and large blue-violet flowers (sometimes white with purple veining). Each flower rests atop its own leafless stalk. Blooms in early spring and sometimes intermittently into late summer. No serious insect or disease problems. Foliage tends to depreciate in hot summers. Garden Uses Best massed and left to spread undisturbed in open woodland gardens, wildflower gardens, native plant gardens or naturalized areas. Good small scale ground cover for areas along walkways or under shrubs.