Twoflower Violet, Arctic yellow violet, Carlott's violet
Viola biflora

Family: Violaceae

What it is like

Viola biflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects, Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile. 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): 0.2

Where it is found

Alpine or subalpine meadows, thickets, forest margins and rocky crevices at elevations of 2500 - 4000 metres.

Northern N. Americam northern Europe to China and Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. Flowers - raw. The flowers of this species are usually yellow - some caution is advised since plants with yellow flowers have ben known to 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: 1

The root is emetic. The flowers are antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emollient and pectoral. The leaves are emollient and laxative.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Other

Rating:

The stems and fragrant blossoms have been placed in the clothes cupboard to impart a nice smell to the clothes.

Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.

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 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: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Chrysion biflorum. Dischidium biflorum