Wild Violet Flowers

Learn about native wild violet flowers that bloom during the spring and a few fun recipes and crafts you can make with them.

Wild violets, specifically Viola sororia, were my mother's favorite flowers. They grew all over an empty lot next to our house, and we used to pick them for her.

Also known as the common blue violet, these beautiful purple flowers bloom in the spring and early summer. Some consider it a weed, as many find their way into lawns and spread easily and quickly.

Wild violets are prolific ground covers. They grow in clumps through and spread by rhizomes. The leaves are heart-shaped with toothed edges. Not to be confused with Viola odorata or sweet violet. Viola Odorata is a native of Europe that looks very similar to Viola sororia however, it has more rounded leaves and a sweet scent.

Other Violet Varieties

There are over 500 different varieties of Violas. The flowers are usually purple, but there are also yellow, white, and combinations of all three that exist. I found the pretty dark purple-tinged leaf violet (shown above) growing in my flower bed. I believe this is Viola labradorica. It's a hybrid that I had purchased in the past.

Here's a pretty little wildflower I found growing in a little town in Maryland. The flower looks like a yellow violet. When I took a picture on my iPhone, I found that it's a European Field Pansy, aka Viola arvensis.

Recipes Using Wild Violets

Viola sororia is an edible plant. The leaves and flowers can be used in edible treats. You can toss them in salads or use them to adorn cakes and drinks. You can also make violet vinegar or violet jelly with the petals.

Here are a few other recipes I've made with wild violets. (Click on the image for the recipe)

When spring comes around, be on the lookout for wild violets. If the area is free from pesticides, try using them in one of the recipes above.

If you don't know whether your violets are safe to ingest, pick a small bouquet to enjoy in your home.