Viola grypoceras aka Creeping Korean Violet

Viola grypoceras is a small perennial in the violet family, Violaceae. It comes from temperate parts of eastern Asia. Kew places its range from central and southern China to Korea. It also extends from southern Sakhalin to Taiwan. Plants For A Future lists Japan and the Kuril Islands. In Japan, it grows in open woods in lowlands and mountains. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres] in height. This modest size suits the edge of a woodland garden. Plants For A Future also lists sites with dappled shade. Its species account gives no mature width or detailed leaf description. Flowers range from purple shades to white. They appear in April and May. Each flower has both male and female organs, and insects pollinate them. Seeds ripen from June through August, after the spring display ends.

The species summary lists both light shade and full sun. It calls for moist soil that drains well. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils all appear as suitable choices. The same summary lists mildly acid to neutral soil. These details give a broad guide, rather than a tested care plan. Plants For A Future says it has little information on this species. Its fuller growing notes draw on the needs of the genus. It does not confirm hardiness in Britain, so frost tolerance remains uncertain.

Plants For A Future gives instructions for seed sowing and division. It suggests sowing fresh seed in autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed can go into a cold frame in early spring. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outside in summer. Divide plants in autumn or soon after flowering. Larger pieces can go straight into their final sites. Grow smaller pieces in pots until they establish well.

Young leaves and flower buds can be eaten raw or cooked. They can also help thicken soups. The leaves provide material for tea. Plants For A Future gives a modest edible rating of two out of five. It lists no known hazards for the species. This does not establish safety for pets. It records no known medicinal or other uses. Its weed entry does not flag the plant as weedy.