Common Blue Violet

Viola papilionacea

Weed Description
A perennial with heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers, most commonly 2 to 5 inches tall. Common blue violet is found throughout the eastern United States and Canada. It is primarily a weed of turfgrass and landscapes.

Leaves
Leaves arise from a basal crown, are heart-shaped, and occur on long petioles. Leaves are also hairless and have rounded teeth along the margins.

Flowers
Occur on stalks that do not contain leaves. Flowers consist of 5 petals that are purple or blue in color. The 2 lateral petals are bearded or hairy near the base.

Fruit
A capsule ranging from 10 to 12 mm in length.

Roots
Rhizomes and a fibrous root system.

Identifying Characteristics
The heart-shaped leaves with rounded teeth along the margins, purple flowers, and rhizomes are all features that help in the identification of common blue violet.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Common Blue Violet

Viola papilionacea

Trouble identifying a weed?