An Ode to Violets

I cringe at the thought of all the violets I’ve killed over the years. Or tried to kill; they’re resilient buggers.

Why was I so hellbent on exterminating them? Somehow I had the idea they were undesirable weeds. I suppose because I didn’t plant them myself and they had the temerity to show up in my precious turfgrass lawn.

Viola sororia in my backyard. Photo by Lolly Jewett.

But just look at them! They’re beautiful. What a gift to have these cheerful purpley-blue blossoms peeking through the leaf duff – and yes, the lawn – to herald spring. Even better: they’re free. These little pretties have just volunteered their way into my life, despite my earlier and misguided efforts to rebuff them.

Photo by Lolly Jewett.

There are various species of violet native to most of the U.S. Viola sororia is one of the most common ones in Eastern North America. They make an effective deer-resistant groundcover in shady areas, and can be used in rock gardens, borders or containers. They also add color and a bit of biodiversity to lawns! Violets are self-seeding machines, so they’ll spread far and wide if you let them. Do let them! 

They’re an important source of food for bees and other early-season pollinators. Critically, Viola sororia is a larval host plant for the Edward’s, great spangled, coronis, Mormon and variegated fritillary butterflies. Remember, more caterpillars means not just more moths and butterflies, but also more birds.

Also, did you know that violet flowers and young leaves are edible? You can add the blooms to salad, use them as a garnish, or sweeten them into candies and jellies. The leaves are high in vitamins A and C and can be used in salad or cooked like spinach. I can vouch that the flowers taste good, a bit like a mild green. The leaves may be more of an acquired taste. Mine, at least, have a bit of a bitter aftertaste. Maybe that dials back when they’re cooked? Anyway, once I’ve got a critical mass of the plants I’m definitely going to do more foraging of the blossoms.

Photo by Lolly Jewett.

If you see some of those distinctive heart-shaped leaves emerging in your garden or lawn, try just leaving them be. They’ll reward you with lovely blooms and maybe some butterfly and bird friends along the way.

There was wide audience acclaim when I posted a California Honeydrops song in my last post (ok, two of you mentioned that you liked it), so I’m going with them again. Heed their lyrics and don’t be seduced by that “perfect” green lawn! You can do better.

If you live in the DC vicinity and could use assistance with sustainable landscaping, visit Bees’ Knees Design. I’d be happy to help you.