Alpine Violet
Viola labradorica
- Native to:
- Canada, Greenland, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States
Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Violaceae
- Genus:
- Viola
- Species:
- Viola labradorica
- USDA Symbol:
- VILA10
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, violet
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Atlantis fritillary (Speyeria atlantis), ⚠️Bog Fritillary (Clossiana eunomia), Edwards' fritillary (Speyeria edwardsii), Great Basin fritillary (Speyeria egleis), Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele), Hydaspe fritillary (Speyeria hydaspe), Mormon fritillary (Speyeria mormonia), Titania's fritillary (Clossiana titania), 🛑Zerene fritillary (Speyeria zerene)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, ants
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers cool, shaded environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Fresh seed germinates best; older seed may require longer cold stratification.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Light required for germination; do not cover seed.
Notes: Seeds require light for germination; do not cover.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C for 3 months, then place @ 4C for 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).