Viola septentrionalis (Fr: violette septentrionale | En: northern blue violet)

Northern Blue Violet
Viola septentrionalis

The Northern Blue Violet is a charming, cold-hardy perennial native to eastern Canada. With delicate blue to violet flowers and soft, heart-shaped leaves, it adds a graceful, low-growing accent to naturalized gardens, woodland edges, and even lawns. Its adaptability makes it ideal for ecological landscaping: it tolerates mowing, spreads gently by seed and rhizome, and thrives in a variety of light conditions.

Blooming from April to June, its early-season flowers provide an important nectar source for native pollinators, including solitary bees, fritillaries, and other early butterflies. Its foliage also supports several fritillary butterfly larvae, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.

This violet prefers partial shade to full sun, in soils that are well-drained yet consistently moist. It reaches a mature height of 10–15 cm (up to 0.5 m when flowering) and requires minimal care once established. It is a great candidate for naturalizing in meadows, open woodlands, shady borders, and even rain gardens.

The leaves and flowers are edible in moderation and have a long history of use in teas, salads, and as edible garnishes. They are rich in vitamin C and possess mild mucilaginous properties.

Note: While some sources group Viola septentrionalis under Viola sororia (Common Blue Violet), the species is recognized as distinct by VASCAN (the Database of Vascular Plants of Canada).

Height: 10–15 cm (up to 0.5 m in bloom)
Bloom time: April to June
Light: Full sun to full shade
Moisture: Moderate to moist
Soil: Well-drained, consistently moist
Ecological benefits: Pollinator support, host plant for fritillary butterflies
Edible: Leaves and flowers (in moderation)