Heartsease, Johnny jumpup, Field Pansy,
Viola tricolor
Family: Violaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Purple, White, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid fall, Mid spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Viola tricolor is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to September, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Cultivated and waste ground, short grassland etc, mainly on acid and neutral soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Corsica, W. Asia, Siberia, Caucasus.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. A tea can be made from the leaves. The small attractive flowers are added to salads or used as a garnish.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 3
Heartsease has a long history of herbal use and was at one time in high repute as a treatment for epilepsy, asthma, skin diseases and a wide range of other complaints. In modern herbalism it is seen as a purifying herb and is taken internally in the treatment of skin complaints such as eczema. The herb is anodyne, antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, cardiac, demulcent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative and vulnerary. Being expectorant, it is used in the treatment of various chest complaints such as bronchitis and whooping cough, whilst its diuretic action makes it useful for treating rheumatism, cystitis and difficulty in passing urine. It is also used as an ointment for treating eczema and other skin complaints and is also useful in cases of rheumatism, bed-wetting etc. The plant is harvested from June to August and dried for later use. The root is emetic. A homeopathic remedy is made from the entire plant. It is used in the treatment of cutaneous eruptions.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Antiseborrheic: Used in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Eczema: Used in the treatment of eczema - a chronic health condition that affects the skin, causing redness, dryness, itching and infections.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
Epilepsy: Used in the treatment of Epilepsy - a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
Yellow, green and blue-green dyes are obtained from the flowers. The leaves can be used in place of litmus in testing for acids and alkalis.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Litmus: Used for testing whether a substance is acid or alkaline.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border, Container, Massing, Rock garden. Prefers a cool moist well-drained humus-rich soil in partial or dappled shade and protection from scorching winds. Tolerates sandstone and limestone soils but becomes chlorotic if the pH is too high. Prefers a pH between 6 and 6.5. A very variable species. It is normally an annual plant, but it is sometimes a short-lived perennial. A good bee plant. Grows well with rye but dislikes growing with wheat. All members of this genus have more or less edible leaves and flower buds, though those species with yellow flowers can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities. Special Features:Not North American native, Naturalizing, Suitable for cut flowers, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above, Fragrant flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Division in the autumn or just after flowering. The plant is a short-lived perennial and division is not that worthwhile.
Best place to grow: Lawn; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Perennial
Hardiness: 4-9
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist