Viola sororia (Common blue violet)

Viola sororia, or common blue violets, are a commonly occuring and often maligned lawn and garden specimen hiding great ecological potential. They are a low growing, well spreading plant that blooms blue-violet and spotted white flowers profusely early in the year; an important nectar source for emerging bees. Sororia species are a food source for an uncommon specialist bee, the Violet Miner (Andrena violae), which can only survive by sourcing pollen from the flowers of the Viola genus. The foliage is a host source for several fritillary butterflies, including the Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia).

Violets sport attractive heart-shaped evergreen foliage, looking like miniature hostas, and can act as a low ground cover around taller plants. Eventually thick colonies of violets will fade and relocate as larger perennials, shrubs and trees mature. This hardy plant naturally thrives in moist woodlands, riparian areas, shaded lawns, and meadows, though it is adaptable to moderate dryness and bright sun. Its low maintenance, ability to thrive in lawns and spread naturally makes it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional turf grass.

Flowers and leaves of Viola sororia are edible and rich in vitamins A and C. The leaves can be used in salads, the flowers for coloring teas and jams, or candied in desserts. I've actually used violets as a "sacrificial crop" in my garden since groundhogs and rabbits seem to prefer filling up on the quickly resprouting foliage of violets over some native perennials.

In short, what's not to love about these oft maligned plants?