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Native Plant Database

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Viola affinis (Sand violet)
Marcus, Joseph A.

Viola affinis Le Conte

Sand violet, Pale early violet

Violaceae (Violet Family)

Synonyms: Viola chalcosperma, Viola rosacea, Viola sororia var. affinis, Viola sororia ssp. affinis

USDA Symbol: viaf2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The glossy, heart-shaped leaf blades are narrow in the spring, becoming much larger in summer. The violet flower has a conspicuous white throat; the three lower petals are somewhat hairy. The heart-shaped leaves, coarsely toothed, have long stems growing from the base. This violet ranges from 6-10 in. tall.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Cordate
Size Notes: Usually a 7 x 8 inch mound in spring.
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: ON , QC
Native Distribution: ME to MN, s. to FL, w. to TX & AR. Also ON & QC.
Native Habitat: Moist meadows; low woods; shady stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Moist soils.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: No

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Pineywoods Native Plant Center - Nacogdoches, TX

Bibliography

Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Viola affinis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Viola affinis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Viola affinis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2011-03-28
Research By: TWC Staff

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