Plant Database / Wild & Foraged / Wild Violet
Wild & Foraged

Wild Violet

Viola species
Violaceae

Heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers, both edible and high in vitamin C. A safe, pretty first forage.

EdibleWild / foragedForagedSafe first forage
Wild Violet (Viola species) illustration — Texas Roots plant database, by Jordan Polasek
Sun
Part shade
Water
Moderate
Soil
Rich, moist
pH
6.0–7.0
Hardiness
Native perennial
Height
4–8 in
Days to harvest
Spring

What it is

Wild Violet (Viola species) is in the Violaceae family. Heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers, both edible and high in vitamin C. A safe, pretty first forage.

How to grow it

It wants part shade, water it moderate, and give it rich, moist soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Expect roughly Spring. Native perennial.

How it's used

Wild Violet is used: leaves and flowers (raw/candied).

🔎 How to identify it

  • Heart-shaped scalloped leaves
  • Five-petal purple/white flowers
  • Low rosette

Edibility

PartsLeaves and flowers
UsesLeaves and flowers (raw/candied)
CautionConfirm true Viola; avoid 'African violet' (unrelated houseplant).
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.

Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.