Violaceae : Viola nephrophylla
Family Name
Violaceae
Common Name
Northern bog violet
Native American Name
Lakota: waȟpé tȟó čík’ala
Description
Viola nephrophylla is an acaulescent perennial herb growing from a branching caudex. The basal leaves have petioles 5-20 cm long with lanceolate stipules. The blades are simple, green, heart-shaped, smooth or occasionally having a few short hairs, the margins with shallow rounded teeth. The flowers develop on a peduncle that is as tall or taller than the leaves. The 5 green sepals are 5-7 mm long and usually hairless. The corolla is irregular, with 5 blue petals that are 10-20 mm long. The lower petal has a short spur, and it and the 2 lateral petals have a whitish base, are bearded (have tufts of hairs), and the upper 2 petals are usually hairless. Additionally, there are cleistogamous flowers (small flowers that don’t open) on erect to prostrate peduncles. The fruit is a smooth capsule 6-8 mm long. Northern bog violet blooms in May and June in moist prairies and along streams and lakes in all but the central region of South Dakota.
Horticulture Notes
Seed collection: The seeds are explosively ejected from the capsules at maturity. Browning capsules can be collected and allowed to dry in a paper bag or can be trapped by placing a screen bag over the capsules after they begin to develop.
Germination: Fall sowing is best. Seeds need a 90-day cold moist stratification before spring planting and should be stored in the refrigerator until treated.
Vegetative propagation: Mature plants can be divided, but only with limited success.
Light: Light shade to medium shade.
Soil: Organically rich, well drained soils.
Water: Moist.
Additional Notes
Northern bog violet blooms early in spring. The blue to purple flowers are relatively large and showy. They make a nice addition to a shaded a where they grow best and attract many species of native bees and butterflies.