Stream Violet, Pioneer violet
Viola glabella
Family: Violaceae
What it is like
Viola glabella is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Fairly moist woods or by streams.
E. Asia. Western N. America.
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. Some caution is advised, the yellow flowers of this species can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities. A tea can be made from the leaves.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
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. All members of this genus have more or less edible leaves and flower buds, though those species, such as this one, with yellow flowers can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in the autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist