Several species of violet (Viola species) are native to Iowa. The most frequently seen species is the common blue violet (Viola sororia). However, other species, such as downy yellow violet (V. pubescens), Canada violet (V. canadensis), and prairie violet (V. pedatifida), can also be found.
Benefits & Challenges | Management | More Information
Violets are low-growing, clump-forming plants that spread by seed and short rhizomes. Most species have heart-shaped leaves. They typically bloom in spring (April to June). Flower colors include nearly white, yellow, blue, and purple, and a few species have bicolored flowers. Each flower consists of an upper pair of petals, two side petals, and one lower petal. The lower petal acts as a landing pad for pollinating insects. The fruit is a small capsule that splits into three parts when mature.
Balancing Benefits & Challenges
Wild violets can be a welcome addition to some lawns and landscapes, but they can also create challenges. Whether to keep or remove them depends on your gardening goals. Before taking action, consider where the violets are growing and how you use the space. Allowing violets to remain in parts of the landscape can benefit pollinators and native butterflies, while controlling them in turf areas can help maintain lawn quality and appearance.
Benefits of Wild Violets
Many homeowners appreciate wild violets as a low-growing native groundcover. Their spring flowers provide an early source of nectar for pollinators, and their leaves serve as the exclusive host plant for the regal fritillary butterfly and several other native fritillary species. In naturalized areas, woodland gardens, or low-maintenance landscapes, violets can add seasonal color and support local biodiversity.
When Violets Become a Problem
Wild violets can spread aggressively by seed and short rhizomes. In lawns, they often form dense colonies, especially in moist or shaded areas, and may compete with turfgrass. Their vigorous growth and extensive root system make them difficult to control once established. For homeowners who prefer a uniform lawn, violets are often considered a troublesome perennial weed.
Management
For small infestations, in particular those in garden beds, digging plants by hand is usually the most effective control option. Remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
When violets are widespread, broadleaf herbicides are often the most practical solution. In the lawn, products containing triclopyr generally provide good control. In a garden bed, triclopyr or other non-selective herbicide can be spot sprayed, being careful to only apply the herbicide to the leaves of the violets.
Applications can be made in spring or fall, and two treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart may be needed for satisfactory results.
More Information
- Weed Control in Home Lawns (PDF)
- Managing Weeds in Landscapes, Gardens, and Lawns
- Control of Dandelions
- Control of Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie)
- Control of Canada Thistle
Photo credits: 1: Aaron Steil; 2: Aaron Steil