woodland wildflower
Long-spurred violet
Viola rostrata
Also known as Longspur Violet
1 of 2Native to the Southeast, the Northeast, and the Midwest and southern Canada
Southwestern Quebec and southern New Hampshire to Michigan, south to northern New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia; also upland to Georgia and Alabama
- Light Full shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moist Moisture preference
- Zones 4–8 Cold to heat range
- Bloom Apr–Jun Flowering time
- Height up to 10 in to 25 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for full shade and evenly moist soil. At up to 10 in, it tucks into shade gardens and woodland edges. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Hardiness zones
Find your zone:
Pollinators & wildlife
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Aphrodite fritillarycaterpillar host
- Great spangled fritillarycaterpillar host
- Silver-bordered fritillarycaterpillar host
- Variegated fritillarycaterpillar host
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- The Southeast, the Northeast, and the Midwest and southern CanadaUnited States (19): AL, CT, GA, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV. Canada (1): ON. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Southwestern Quebec and southern New Hampshire to Michigan, south to northern New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia; also upland to Georgia and AlabamaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8 · Canadian 5–7The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
- Soil
- Moist, rich soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 10 in (to 25 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Apr–JunWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- CapsuleThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.