Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Violaceae

Genus:

Viola

Species:

Viola × melissifolia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

6 in - 1 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jan, feb, mar, apr, may, dec

Bloom Colors:

Blue

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: New York, Vermont, Canada: New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Bee Keystone:

★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers shaded woodland environments

Germination Information