Viola, Common Violet, Hooded Violet, Meadow Violet, Sister Violet, Confederate Violet 'Priceana'

These covered the ground at my Grandmother's old Victorian home. They were so thick that you could not see the grass.

A be...Read Moreautiful reminder of her lovely gardens.

They spread with abandon and are hard to keep in check...but, as I have a yard as opposed to a lawn, they are welcome to pop up wherever they choose.

The blooms are edible, and rich in vitamin C...more than the same weight of oranges. They are dipped in eggwhites and covered in sugar to make 'candied violets' used to decorate pastries.

The leaves can be boiled and eaten as 'spring greens', but care should be taken to check your tolerance for these...they can have a laxative effect on some folks.

I LOVE this plant. Just discovered it this season when I spotted a gallon pot marked down at Lowes because it was looking a little ragge...Read Moredy. I bought it, plopped it down in poor, hard, dry soil in full shade and in one month it has at least doubled in size. It is full of dainty violet/white blooms. I am so impressed with this plant that I just bought another today. With this growth rate I can see where it may be invasive if conditions are right, but it stays compact as it spreads, doesn't seem to sprawl, and it looks like division would be simple and definitely worthwhile. Highly recommend this speciman for your shade or woodland garden. Would make an excellent groundcover under trees.