Viola missouriensis
by L.S. “Mox” Moxley
President ITMN
Many of us watch for particular signs of nature to signal that spring is on its way. It could be bursting tree buds or the arrival of a special bird specie. For me, it is the faces of Missouri violets (Viola missouriensis).
At this time of year, when I make the trek to the barns for animal feeding, I search for the Missouri violets at the base of woodland trees. These violets typically begin to bloom in February or early March. They form healthy stands near trees along creek banks. They prefer dappled shade and grow in almost any type of soil – sand, loam, clay or limestone – as long as it is well drained.
The valentine, heart-shaped leaves are an appropriate reminder of their February blossoms. The leaves stay green until August droughts arrive and they become dormant. Autumn rain brings them back to life and they stay green throughout the winter.
Overall, the plant reaches from two to nearly six inches in height. Missouri violet blooms are less than an inch in size with five light bluish-purple petals. The dainty flowers seem to look up bashfully since each is positioned on a slender stalk that droops slightly at the blossom end. The flower throats are white with dark blue-violet veins on the lowest petal and the bottom lateral petals that function as nectar guides for visiting insects. At the back of each flower is a short, blunt nectar spur.
The bloom period lasts about three weeks. Somewhat later, hidden by the leaves, are non-showy cleistogamous (self-fertilized) flowers that do not open. These fertilized buds are followed by a tripartite seed capsule. The small, dull, light-brown seeds are ejected mechanically from their capsules.
The root system of Missouri violets consists of a short crown with thick rhizomes and fibrous roots. Reproduction occurs through both seeds and rhizomes. For landscape use, these plants are best propagated via root division. One horizontal rhizome may yield 20 or 30 plants. A well-drained location with partial shade is critical.
This delightful spring harbinger is sought by many. The spring leaves are high in vitamins A and C and can be used in salads or cooked as greens. The flowers are edible and used for decoration, candied and jellied. The flowers occasionally attract bees and other insects. The caterpillars of several fritillary butterflies eat the foliage. The seeds of violets are eaten by various birds and small rodents, including wild turkey, mourning doves, bob whites and the white-footed mouse.
Violets hold special memories – perhaps they were the first bouquet you presented your mother. Each year my mother would receive an Easter corsage of deep purple, long-stemmed violets arranged in a bouquet and backed by dark violet leaves. Although they were not the nodding Missouri violets, they were a beautiful tribute to the season. Now is the time to look for these charming harbingers in the woods and to make some long-lasting spring memories.