pioneer violet
Viola glabella
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Sizeup to 15 inches tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Pioneer violet (Viola glabella) is a perennial for woodland gardens, ground cover, and low maintenance beds. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deep-yellow, pansy-like flowers sit above large, bright-green, heart-shaped leaves. The blooms are fragrant and attract butterflies. It may reseed and can spread, so give it room.
Pairs well with Lady fern, Aureola Japanese forest grass, and Rozanne crane's-bill.
Native range
AK, CA, ID, MT, and 2 more places. See all 6
AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, and WA; BC.