Viola orbiculata

Common Names

Darkwoods Violet, Round-Leaved Violet, Roundleaf Violet, Western Round-Leaved Violet, Evergreen Yellow Violet

Summary

Roundleaf Violet is a glabrous, acaulescent perennial native to western Canada and the northwestern United States, occupying thickets and woods at elevations of 700 to 1700 m. It features orbiculate-cordate leaves with crenate margins, 2 to 4 cm wide, and grows to about 5 to 9 cm tall with no stems. Peduncles measure 2 to 5 cm and carry yellow flowers 8 to 12 mm long. The lower three petals show purple lines; the lateral petals are bearded; a short spur is present; and capsules are 5 to 8 mm long.

Cultivation favors a cold, shady site with humus-rich, moist soil. An alpine house can be used. Propagation is by seed sown in winter, barely covered, germinating in 1 to 3 months at 13 to 16°C, or by division after flowering and in fall.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-3.5 inches

Spread

2-4 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Humus-rich, moist soil.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils

Bloom Color

Lemon-yellow to gold, with yellow blooms often bearing purple markings or purple-veined lower petals.

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Perennial

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees