Viola glabella

Common Names

Stream Violet, Pioneer Violet

Summary

Viola glabella, commonly called Stream Violet or Pioneer Violet, is a herbaceous perennial in the Violaceae family native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to California and east to Alberta and Montana. It grows 1–3 erect or prostrate stems from a fleshy rhizome to about 2–12 inches tall, with basal and cauline heart-shaped leaves, and bears bright yellow, bilaterally symmetric flowers on slender stalks with purple veining on the lower petals and a nectar spur; a second cleistogamous flower type may occur, and it forms colonies by rhizomes and seeds in moist woods or by streams, attracting bees and butterflies.

Cultivation and use: prefers cool, moist, well-drained humus-rich soil in partial to dappled shade, tolerates sandstone and limestone soils, and does best where soil pH is around 6–6.5. Hardy to USDA zones 4–8. Propagation is by seed (autumn sow in a cold frame; stored seed sown in early spring) or division in autumn or after flowering; it can reseed and form ground-cover colonies, making it suitable for shaded woodland gardens, cottage gardens, or areas along streams or ponds, with regular moisture supporting growth. Edible leaves and flowers are noted, though yellow flowers may cause diarrhea if eaten in large quantities.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-12 inches

Spread

6-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, adaptable from full sun to shade.

Soil Type

Cool, moist, well-drained humus-rich loamy soil with pH 6–6.5

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moist soil

Soil pH

6-6.5, slightly acidic to neutral soil

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Bright green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Stolons, Rhizomes, Self-seeding

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies