Viola Species, Missouri Violet, Native Wood Violet

Flowering in March, this violet grows in wooded areas along the northeast bank of Delaware creek in Clarksville, Texas.

I have these growing wild all over my yard, but only in my shaded areas. They seem very easy to take care of & the foliage stays pretty ...Read More& grows even bigger after the flowers fade.

These grow extensively in large shaded grassy areas here in Houston. I have transplanted some to pots and have had great success keeping...Read More them; however, I must say they are extremely succeptible to spider mites and aphids. More so than almost any other plant I have tried to grow here my violets, and particularly these, are constantly overcome with black aphid-like insects and colonies of spider mites. While they grow well in pots under good condition, keeping them healthy in the abyssmal ecological black hole of much of Houston's urban area can be quite a chore.

Cheerful and pretty, these always mean Spring to me.

They grow wild throughout most woodland areas and happily transplant ...Read Moreto the garden.

It can get invasive, and for those who like everything in neat little sections, this plant could be frustrating. It spreads with abandon in yards and gardens, which does not bother me at all.

The seed bearing flowers are not seen, hiding beneath the leaves. They do not 'bloom' like the pretty purple flowers on top, rather, they mature and drop their seeds unseen.

The Wood Violet is edible and the Amish eat the flowers and leaves as a Spring green. Jelly and syrup can be made from the blossoms.

As with any wild plant, partake in moderation and make sure you are getting clean plants with no pesticides.