Native Plant of the Week: Labrador Violet
Family: Violaceae
Name: Viola labradorica - Labrador Violet
Bloom Time: May-June
Flower: Violet
Soil Condition: Moist, Well Drained
Light: Partial Shade, Sun
Height: 1-3" tall by 6-12" wide
Native Range: Eastern North America including Long Island
Zone: 3 to 8
With its heart-shaped, deep green and purple foliage and adorable violet flowers, Viola labradorica is a great ground cover for small areas or in between stepping stones. Self sows readily in the garden. Main bloom time is in the spring but it will rebloom lightly in the fall. Seeds may be sown at any time in the garden.
Fun Facts: Young leaves and flower buds are edible, raw or cooked. Leaves may be used as a soup thickener like okra. Tea can also be made from leaves.
Maintenance: Deadhead to prolong bloom time but be sure to leave some to go to seed.
Benefits: host plant to Variegated Fritillary and Great Spangled Fritillary, tolerates drought, deer resistant, birds eat seeds, pollinators
Companion Plants:
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References:
1. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=vila10
3. http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/v/viola-labradorica=labrador-violet.php
