Plant species

sweet violet Viola odorata

Violaceae

Species information

Description

A violet with heart-shaped or oblong leaves and irregular five-petalled flowers bearing a short spur. A perennial herbaceous species of forest edges and forest, typically associated with base-rich, often calcareous soils.

Plant traits

Growth form

forb

Life cycle

perennial

Height

5–15 cm

Typical season

123456789101112

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

forest edge · forest · gardens and parks

Light

partial shade

Moisture

mesic

Soil

base-rich · neutral

Substrate

indifferent

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

Its sweet fragrance comes from volatile compounds in the flowers; the plant also produces closed self-pollinating flowers later in the year.

LifeSystems

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