Viola canadensis

Common Names

Canada Violet, Canadian White Violet, Canadian Violet, Tall White Violet, White Violet, Violets

Summary

Viola canadensis is a North American herbaceous perennial violet that forms clumps up to about 10–40 cm tall, with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant white flowers bearing yellow bases and a subtle purple tint on the backs of the petals, blooming from May to August in woodlands and shaded habitats. It tends to self-seed readily and to form clumps rather than spreading by runners. It is hardy in USDA zones 3a–8b and prefers cool, moist, humus-rich soils in partial to full shade, tolerating sandstone and limestone with a pH around 6–6.5. Propagation is by seed or division, self-seeds freely and can be weedy in gardens; suitable as a ground cover or in woodland plantings, with edible leaves and flowers and roots historically used to treat bladder pain, and it attracts bees and butterflies while being deer-resistant.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-16 inches

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loam soil rich in organic matter (humus), with a pH about 6–6.5.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.0-6.5, Slightly acidic to near neutral

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds