Twoflower Violet, Arctic yellow violet, Carlott's violet

Viola biflora

Physical Characteristics

Viola biflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects, Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Northern N. Americam northern Europe to China and Japan.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked[105, 172]. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra[85, 159]. Flowers - raw[172]. The flowers of this species are usually yellow[266] - some caution is advised since plants with yellow flowers have ben known to cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities[62]. A tea can be made from the leaves[85].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Emetic Emollient Laxative Pectoral The root is emetic[240]. The flowers are antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emollient and pectoral[240]. The leaves are emollient and laxative[240].

Known Hazards

None known