Common Blue Violet

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Common blue violet (Viola sororia) is a short perennial weed (less than 6 inches tall) with heart-shaped leaves on long stems growing from a crown. Plants, which grow in clumps, are spread by seed and short, thick rhizomes. While common in moist areas, plants also tolerate dry sites once established. 

Common blue violet in bloom (Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org)Common blue violet in bloom.

(Photo: Robert Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org)

Common blue violet underground rhizome (Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org)Common blue violet underground rhizome.

(Photo: Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org)

Management:

  • Managing with herbicides is difficult.
  • Cultivation spreads rhizomes.
  • In small plantings, dig up individual clumps.
  • Crop rotation is effective if rotational crop has more herbicide options.

    

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