Viola langsdorffii (Alaska Violet)

Hardy, pretty, and easy to grow, Viola langsdorffii (Alaska Violet) is a low-growing perennial with rounded, heart-shaped leaves at the tips of long petioles, up to 8 in. (20 cm). Eye-catching, large, light bluish-violet flowers with dark purple veins appear from mid-spring to late summer. Their lateral petals display small white beards. Alaska Violet is edible, with both leaves and flowers historically used for food and medicine. The leaves and flowers are high in vitamin C and can be used in salads. This perennial wildflower grows from thick horizontal rhizomes and prefers moist to wet soils. It survives in a multitude of habitats, naturalizing in meadows and along water features. Often regarded as an early sign of spring, it thrives all season long in cool climates. If left to set seed, expect more of these little gems to appear every year.

• Growing up to 2-10 in. tall (5-25 cm), this Violet will spread by self-seeding and creeping rhizomes.
• A full sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in humus-rich, moist to wet, well-drained soils. Benefits from a winter covering of leaves or evergreen boughs.
• This plant is very versatile and can be used on banks and slopes, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows, woodland gardens, along ponds and streams or as a ground cover.
• Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, violet gall midge, powdery mildew, and pansy leaf spot.
• Propagate using seed, runner divisions or rooted offsets. Seeds must be exposed to freezing for spring germination.
• Native to Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.