Dog Violet

Viola canina

Basic Information

Family: Violaceae

Genus: viola

Plant ID (slug): viola-canina

Numeric ID: 23987

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Viola canina is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain and temperate Asia to Japan.

Habitats

Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked[105, 177]. When added to soups, they thicken them in much the same way as okra[85, 159]. A tea can be made from the leaves[85].

Medicinal Uses

Cathartic Emetic The flowers and leaves are powerfully cathartic and emetic[4]. The plant has also had a reputation for curing skin diseases[4].