Sweet violets, English Violet
Viola odorata

Family: Violaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 10-15 cm high and spreads 30-60 cm wide. It has rooted runners. The leaves are heart shaped. They cluster around the base of the plant. The flowers are violet blue. They have a sweet smell. The fruit are round, hairy capsules.

There are about 500 Viola species. It has anticancer properties. Viola odorata contains flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, stigmasterols, methyl salicylate, mucilage and vitamin C, etc.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It does best in well-composted, moist soils. It needs a protected and partly shaded position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Canada, Central America, Chile, China, Czech, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Eurasia, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Georgia, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kurdistan, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Moldova, Myanmar, North Africa, North America, NW India, Norway, Pacific, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The flowers, roots or leaves can be used to make tea. The leaves can be cooked and eaten. Young leaves should be chosen. They are added to soups. The leaves and flowers can be added to salads. The nectar of the flowers is sucked. The flowers can be candied or used for garnish or made into syrup, jellies and marmalade. The leaf extract is employed to flavour ice cream, candy and baked goods.

Leaves are sold in local markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, herb, spice, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or by division. Sections of the runners can be used.

Its other names

Local names

Bagabanosa, Banafshah, Banaksha, Banaphsa, Banosa, Dišeča vijolica, Garden violet, Gwle wenewshe, Hoa Tim thom, Kannike, Kembang violet, Klavetta, Ljubica mirisna, Marsfiol, Meadow violet, Nila-pan, Nilapushpa, Noi sumire, Vialettu, Viola, Viola del pensiero, Violeta, Violethoo, Waioleka

Synonyms

Viola odora Neck.; Viola wiedemannii Boiss.;