What’s this plant we used to call “violets”?

5 years ago

As a child my parents told me these were “violets”. However, now I feel that violets are totally different plants than this. (Thick, furry leaves, etc)

everywhere in Virginia. Can outcompete other weeds and form a nice groundcover. But needs enough sun I believe.

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Comments (7)

macranthos
5 years ago
Those are true violets, genus viola, as opposed to African Violets, genus Saintpaulia, which are the thick fuzzy ones you are probably thinking of.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
5 years ago
Yep, these really are violets. It's the fuzzy ones that aren't.
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mattp321
Original Author
5 years ago
That’s so funny that the ones for sale at stores aren’t the real deal. Anyway, would these be considered invasive in the USA or are they native? They have tiny purple OR white flowers in the early spring. Thx.
Skip1909
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Most likely native Viola sororia. Here is a link listing all or most of the Viola species in the US. http://bonap.net/Napa/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Viola
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
5 years ago
The weed violets are native but can still be considered invasive.
Skip1909
5 years ago
How can they be considered invasive? They can spread aggressively into lawns and flower beds but that is not the definition of invasive.
macranthos
5 years ago
By definition, natives can’t be invasive. They can still be a pain in the butt though. Technically term, that.

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What’s this plant we used to call “violets”?

Comments (7)

macranthos

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

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mattp321
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Skip1909

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

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What’s this plant we used to call “violets”?

Comments (7)

macranthos

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

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mattp321Original Author

Skip1909

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

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macranthos

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mattp321
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