The bright purple flowers of Blue Violet announce spring's arrival. As some of the first blooms they feed early pollinators; popping up in lawns and carpeting forest floors, thickets and streambeds. A wonderful groundcover, Blue Violet prefers dappled shade and moist soils but will grow just about anywhere. Spreading by rhizomes and seed, Violet is prolific and hearty. In hot summers they enter semi-dormancy just as more heat loving perennials fill in and often will bloom again in the fall. Beloved by rabbits but avoided by deer. The spring flowers provide nectar to butterflies and bees and the seeds provide food to birds and small mammals. Violets are a host plant for multiple species of Fritillary butterflies. 

The heart shaped leaves and flowers are edible and medicinal. The qualities of Blue Violet are cooling and moistening. Violet is a gentle plant, generally safe to consume and rich in Vitamin A and C. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, expectorant and diuretic. Supportive of the lymphatic system, the healing of wounds and soothes irritated skin. Prepared in salves, oils, compresses, teas and rinses.

(For informational purposes only)