Heartsease, Johnny jumpup, Field Pansy,

Viola tricolor

Physical Characteristics

Viola tricolor is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to September, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 Corsica, W. Asia, Siberia, Caucasus.

Habitats

Lawn; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked[105]. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra[85, 159]. A tea can be made from the leaves[85]. The small attractive flowers are added to salads or used as a garnish[183].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiasthmatic Antiinflammatory Antiseborrheic Antispasmodic Cardiac Demulcent Depurative Diaphoretic Diuretic Eczema Emetic Emollient Epilepsy Expectorant Homeopathy Laxative Vulnerary Heartsease has a long history of herbal use and was at one time in high repute as a treatment for epilepsy, asthma, skin diseases and a wide range of other complaints[4]. In modern herbalism it is seen as a purifying herb and is taken internally in the treatment of skin complaints such as eczema[254]. The herb is anodyne, antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, cardiac, demulcent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative and vulnerary[4, 7, 9, 13, 21, 46, 165]. Being expectorant, it is used in the treatment of various chest complaints such as bronchitis and whooping cough, whilst its diuretic action makes it useful for treating rheumatism, cystitis and difficulty in passing urine[254]. It is also used as an ointment for treating eczema and other skin complaints and is also useful in cases of rheumatism, bed-wetting etc[4, 9]. The plant is harvested from June to August and dried for later use[4]. The root is emetic[7]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the entire plant[4]. It is used in the treatment of cutaneous eruptions[4].

Known Hazards

None known