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.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Common Blue Violet

Viola papilionacea