Viola tricolor aka Pansy

Viola tricolor is known as wild pansy or heartsease. It belongs to the violet family, Violaceae. Its native range spans Europe, southwestern Siberia and northwestern Iran. People introduced it to North America, where it also grows. It is a parent of modern garden pansy hybrids. Plants may live for one year, two years, or longer. Those that last longer still have a short life.

This small herb forms tufts with branching, spreading green stems. NC State gives heights of 0.25–0.83 feet [0.08–0.25 metres]. Its width there reaches 0.25–1 foot [0.08–0.30 metres]. RHS gives a broader garden range for both dimensions. That range is 0.33–1.64 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. They are green, simple, and have rounded teeth at their edges. Their shape ranges from oval to narrow and pointed. Paired stipules clasp the stems and can look like leaves. Stems lack hairs or carry a light covering of down.

Flowers appear from spring into summer, sometimes lasting into autumn. Each flower grows alone on a long stalk. The five petals often combine purple, white and yellow. Dark lines mark the petals, and the lowest holds a nectar spur. Some blooms have cream or pale blue shades instead. Sources place flower width near 0.08 feet [0.025 metres]. The fruit is a capsule with three sections. It throws out seeds as it dries. Plants seed themselves freely but do not spread aggressively.

Wild pansy grows best in sun or partial shade. It prefers moist, fairly fertile soil that drains well. It accepts clay, loam and sand across a broad pH range. Avoid soil that stays waterlogged, and water without soaking it. RHS rates its cold hardiness as H7. NC State lists USDA zones 2–9. Grow it in pots, beds, edging, rock gardens or meadows. Flowers draw bees, flies and butterflies. Fritillary caterpillars also feed on this plant. Sow seed in late winter or early spring.

Slugs, snails, aphids and mites may damage plants. Disease risks include mildew, leaf spot, rust and root rot. Flowers serve as edible garnishes in small amounts. Young leaves and flower buds can be eaten raw or cooked. Leaves also provide tea and help thicken soups. PFAF reports no known hazards. Records describe herbal use for skin complaints and other ailments. Flowers yield dyes, while leaves can test acidity or alkalinity.