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Viola odorata
  • Sweet Violet

a perennial evergreen member of the Viola genus in the family Violaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Soil surface
    Soil surface
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • Ground cover
    Ground cover
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Viola odorata has 0 edible uses listed
Viola odorata has 0 material uses listed
Viola odorata has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked[1][2][3]. Usually available all through the winter[K]. The leaves have a very mild flavour, though they soon become quite tough as they grow older. They make a very good salad, their mild flavour enabling them to be used in bulk whilst other stronger-tasting leaves can then be added to give more flavour[K]. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra[4][2][5]. Also used as a flavouring in puddings etc.

A tea can be made from the leaves[2]. Flowers - raw. Used to decorate salads and desserts[6][7][2]. A sweet mild flavour with a delicate perfume, the flowers are an especially welcome decoration for the salad bowl since they are available in late winter[K]. The flowers are also used fresh to flavour and colour confectionery[8]. A soothing tea can be made from the leaves and flowers[2][3].

A leaf extract is used to flavour sweets, baked goods and ice cream[3].

Unknown part

Condiment
Tea

Flowers

Unknown use

Leaves

Unknown use

Material uses

An essential oil from the flowers and leaves is used in perfumery[9][10]. 1000kg of leaves produces about 300 - 400g absolute[11].

The flowers are used to flavour breath fresheners[8]. A pigment extracted from the flowers is used as a litmus to test for acids and alkalines[12][13][10][14].

Plants can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 30cm apart each way[15]. They make an effective weed-excluding cover[K].

Unknown part

Essential
Litmus

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Sweet violet has a long and proven history of folk use, especially in the treatment of cancer and whooping cough[12][16][17]. It also contains salicylic acid, which is used to make aspirin[18]. It is therefore effective in the treatment of headaches, migraine and insomnia[18].

The whole plant is anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, and laxative[12][19][1][11][16]. It is taken internally in the treatment of bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, coughs, asthma, and cancer of the breast, lungs or digestive tract[8]. Externally, it is used to treat mouth and throat infections[8]. The plant can either be used fresh, or harvested when it comes into flower and then be dried for later use[12]. The flowers are demulcent and emollient[20]. They are used in the treatment of biliousness and lung troubles[20]. The petals are made into a syrup and used in the treatment of infantile disorders[20]. The roots is a much stronger expectorant than other parts of the plant but they also contain the alkaloid violine which at higher doses is strongly emetic and purgative[12][18][21]. They are gathered in the autumn and dried for later use[19]. The seeds are diuretic and purgative. They have been used in the treatment of urinary complaints are considered to be a good remedy for gravel[12]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the whole fresh plant[12]. It is considered useful in the treatment of spasmodic coughs and rheumatism of the wrist[12].

An essential oil from the flowers is used in aromatherapy in the treatment of bronchial complaints, exhaustion and skin complaints[8].

Unknown part

Antiinflammatory
Cancer
Demulcent
Diaphoretic
Diuretic
Emetic
Emollient
Expectorant
Homeopathy
Laxative
Purgative

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. The seed requires a period of cold stratification and the germination of stored seed can be erratic. 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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Viola odorata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils but prefers a cool moist well-drained humus-rich soil in partial or dappled shade and protection from scorching winds[22][23][24][25]. When grown in the open it prefers a moderately heavy rich soil[22]. Plants have done very well in a hot dry sunny position on our Cornish trial grounds[K]. Tolerates sandstone and limestone soils.

Plants are hardy to about -20°c[26]. Sweet violets are very ornamental plants, there are many named varieties[26]. They produce their delicately scented flowers in late winter and early spring - these are designed for fertilisation by bees and since there are few bees around at this time of year these flowers seldom set seed[12]. However, the plants also produce a second type of flower later in the year. These never open, but seed is produced within them by self-fertilization[12]. The plants will often self-sow freely when well-sited[27]. They can also spread fairly rapidly at the roots when they are growing well[K]. Responds well to an annual replanting in rich loose leafy soils[26].

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[4][2][5].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Viola odorata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Viola odorata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Viola odorata
Genus
Viola
Family
Violaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
Medicinal uses
[12][16][17][18][19][1][11][8][20][21]
Material uses & Functions
[9][10][11][8][12][13][14][15]
Botanic
[28][25]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Ground cover
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Soil surface
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.1 x 0.45 meters
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    Bees, Cleistogomy
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

    "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.6 Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press ISBN 0-8623-0343-9 (1967-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Elias. T. and Dykeman. P. A Field Guide to N. American Edible Wild Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold ISBN 0442222009 (1982-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 McPherson. A. and S. Wild Food Plants of Indiana. Indiana University Press ISBN 0-253-28925-4 (1977-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.68.7 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
    10. ? 10.010.110.2 Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (1969-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.3 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    12. ? 12.0012.0112.0212.0312.0412.0512.0612.0712.0812.0912.1012.11 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
    15. ? 15.015.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.2 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    17. ? 17.017.1 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.118.218.3 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.119.2 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.120.220.3 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.1 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    22. ? 22.022.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    23. ? Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
    24. ? Brown. Shade Plants for Garden and Woodland. ()
    25. ? 25.025.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    26. ? 26.026.126.2 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    27. ? Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
    28. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

    "image:Viole.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Viola_odorata&oldid=81721"
    Facts about "Viola odorata"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyViolaceae +
    Belongs to genusViola +
    Functions asGround cover +
    Has common nameSweet Violet +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part +, Flowers + and Leaves +
    Has edible useSeasoning +, Unknown use + and Tea +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile +, Bee + and Cleistogomy +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone5 +
    Has imageViole.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useEssential + and Litmus +
    Has mature height0.1 +
    Has mature width0.45 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntiinflammatory +, Cancer +, Demulcent +, Diaphoretic +, Diuretic +, Emetic +, Emollient +, Expectorant +, Homeopathy +, Laxative + and Purgative +
    Has primary imageViole.jpg +
    Has search nameviola odorata + and x +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameViola odorata +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Inhabits ecosystem nicheSoil surface +
    Is deciduous or evergreenEvergreen +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +